Don’t Close Out the Year Without This Important Task
As December rolls in, many of us review budgets, taxes, and retirement accounts. Yet one vital area often goes untouched: your estate plan. Whether you already have one or it’s been a while since your last update, year-end is the perfect time to revisit it.
At Johnson/Turner (serving communities across Minnesota), we believe your legal plans should reflect where you are now—not where you were. If you’ve had changes this year, let’s make sure your estate plan keeps pace.
Why Year-End Is the Ideal Time for an Update
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You’re Already in Review Mode
You’re likely examining financial accounts, insurance, and tax documents. Adding your estate plan into that review keeps everything consistent and aligned. -
Life Changes Happen Quietly
A home purchase, a new child, a relocation—or even health changes—can shift your priorities and how Minnesota law treats your plan. -
2025 Brings Legal Changes in Minnesota
Minnesota enacted major trust and estate law updates in May 2025, including increasing the allowable vesting period for certain trusts to 500 years. If your plan hasn’t been revisited since, these changes could impact your documents. -
Peace of Mind Matters
Ending the year knowing your family is protected gives you a confidence that no tax return or budget review can match.
Common Year-End Oversights in Minnesota
Before the new year, don’t forget to check:
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Beneficiary designations on IRAs, life insurance, and retirement accounts
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Guardianship provisions for minor children
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Your health care directive and durable power of attorney
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Whether your property titles still align with your plan
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That any new assets have been included (e.g., real estate, business interests)
If it’s been more than three to five years since your last review—or if you’ve had any of those life changes—now’s the time to schedule an update.
What a Year-End Estate Plan Refresh Looks Like
At Johnson/Turner, here’s what we’ll walk through when refreshing your plan:
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Gather existing documents — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives
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Review beneficiaries, executors, trustees — make sure they’re current
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Check compliance with Minnesota law — including recent legislative changes
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Recommend updates or upgrades — whether it’s minor tweaks or more significant rewrites
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Discuss next steps — implementation, signing, safekeeping
Many updates are small—but their impact is significant.
Free Tool: 2025 Minnesota Estate Plan Update Checklist
To support you, we’ve prepared a free, estate planning checklist to guide your estate plan review: what to check, what questions to ask, and when to call an attorney.
Want help doing it right? Book a no-pressure Guidance Call with one of our Minnesota estate planning attorneys. We’ll review your plan, explain your options, and make sure you head into the new year protected.
Start the New Year Prepared—not playing catch-up
A bit of planning today can spare your family stress, conflict, and uncertainty later. Whether you’re just starting or updating an existing plan, Johnson/Turner is ready to help Minnesotans build legacy documents that last.
Let’s ensure your wishes are honored, your family is shielded, and your legacy is secure. Contact our Minnesota estate planning team and let’s make this your best year yet.
