Keeping Your Estate Plan Current: Why Regular Updates Matter

An estate plan is not meant to remain unchanged forever. Life evolves, and with it, personal circumstances, family dynamics, and financial situations shift in ways that can make an estate plan outdated if it is not regularly reviewed. When estate plans fall out of date, they can create logistical challenges, confusion for those tasked with carrying out responsibilities, and, in the worst cases, disputes that end up in probate court. These disputes often lead to unnecessary delays and substantial legal costs, turning what should have been a straightforward process into a complicated, time-consuming, and expensive ordeal.

For Arizona residents, keeping an estate plan current is essential to ensure that assets are distributed as intended, fiduciary responsibilities are clear, and family members are protected. Harrison Law, PLLC advises clients that regular review and timely revisions can prevent confusion and help maintain the integrity of an estate plan.

Revising Your Estate Plan After Major Life Events

As of June 30, 2025, Arizona has raised the thresholds for small estate affidavits under A.R.S. § 14-3971, allowing heirs to transfer real property valued up to $300,000, an increase from $100,000, and personal property up to $200,000, an increase from $75,000, without going through formal probate proceedings. This adjustment streamlines the estate administration process, helping families manage smaller estates more efficiently and reducing both time and legal costs.

Even with these changes, major life events can still quickly render an estate plan outdated. Such events should serve as a clear signal to review and update estate documents to ensure they continue to reflect current circumstances and intentions. The addition of new beneficiaries, whether through the birth of a child or grandchild, an adoption, or other changes in family structure, should be carefully incorporated to avoid confusion or potential disputes.

Similarly, the death of a named beneficiary or fiduciary requires immediate attention. Updating the estate plan to replace these individuals with living alternatives ensures that responsibilities are carried out as intended. Divorce, too, can necessitate revisions, particularly when prior plans relied on joint responsibility for guardianship or decision-making. Adjusting the plan to reflect changes in family structure helps clarify who is responsible and protects both the estate and those involved.

As children reach adulthood, estate plans should evolve to acknowledge their new legal capacity and potential responsibilities. Changes in residence, as well as the acquisition of new property, also call for careful updates to addresses and property listings, maintaining clarity and preventing ambiguity. Whether triggered by a major event or a series of smaller changes, keeping an estate plan current is essential to preserving its effectiveness and ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities and assets.

Annual Review: Staying Ahead of Minor Changes

Even without major life events, an annual review of an estate plan is strongly recommended. Regular reviews allow individuals to update contact information, correct minor errors, and ensure that all documents reflect current circumstances. Simple details, such as a change in phone numbers or addresses for individuals with powers of attorney, can be critical in emergency situations. Keeping this information accurate ensures that those designated to act on behalf of the estate can do so without unnecessary delay.

Many clients find it helpful to choose a recurring date each year for this review, using a memorable day that is easy to recall. Selecting a non-major holiday or a personally significant date can serve as a reliable reminder to revisit estate planning documents.

Streamlining the Update Process

Updating an estate plan is generally far simpler than creating one from scratch. At Harrison Law, PLLC, most revisions are handled efficiently through email or telephone consultations, with clients visiting the office only to formally sign the updated documents. These updates are then incorporated into the existing estate plan, replacing outdated materials and maintaining a single, coherent record of intent.

The Importance of Evolution in Estate Planning

The only constant in life is change. Regular review and timely updates ensure that an estate plan continues to serve its purpose, protecting both assets and family members. In 2025, as personal circumstances, laws, and financial landscapes evolve, keeping an estate plan current is more important than ever. By taking a proactive approach, individuals can avoid unnecessary complications, preserve family harmony, and ensure that their estate reflects their wishes accurately.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.