Summer Is the Perfect Time to Tackle Estate Planning

Summer is the ideal season to attend to estate planning, when you can give your full attention to important matters. A recent article appearing in the River Journal, “Revising Your Estate Plan During Those Hazy, Lazy Days of Summer,” provides a guide to what needs to be done.

Advanced Directives are documents created while you are living and are in full command of your cognitive faculties. They are used to name the people of your choice to make medical and financial decisions if you become incapacitated. These documents include a Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, HIPAA Release form (for access to medical and insurance records) and a Living Will for end-of-life decisions.

If you have had these documents created but haven’t reviewed them in years, now is the time to check and ensure that the people you chose in the past to act on your behalf are still the ones you want. Adding a second person to these documents, in case the first ones are not willing or able to serve, should also be considered. Don’t forget to let these people know they have been named and where they can find the documents they’ll need.

Beneficiary designation mistakes trip up many estate plans. All your retirement accounts, including IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s and life insurance policies, have named beneficiaries, primary and alternates. When you die, the assets in these accounts go directly to the named beneficiaries, regardless of what you have in your will. Review the names to ensure that these are still the individuals you wish to receive the assets. If you want the children of a beneficiary to receive the asset if the primary beneficiary has died, talk with your estate planning attorney about using the phrase “per stirpes” after their name on the account. Some accounts may permit this, while others will need different methods to transfer the assets.

When was your Last Will and Testament created? It’s always a good idea to review this document to ensure that it still accurately expresses your wishes. Do you still wish for the individuals named Executor and Guardian to serve in these roles?

If your will hasn’t been reviewed in several years, a slow summer season is a good time to review it. Death, divorce, birth, marriage, financial changes and moves are just a few of life’s occurrences requiring a review of a will. Both life and tax laws are subject to change and require ongoing attention.

Take advantage of a slower season to ensure that your estate plan is updated, so it will protect you and your family throughout the year.

Planning for the future isn’t just about documents—it’s about making thoughtful choices for your loved ones. Our probate attorneys at The Werner Law Firm take the time to guide families through the estate planning process with clarity and care, ensuring that every detail is aligned with their goals. Whether it's summer, winter, spring, or fall, our team will walk you every step of the way.

If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.

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Reference: River Journal (July 24, 2025) “Revising Your Estate Plan During Those Hazy Lazy Days of Summer”