Why Spring Clean Your Estate?
- Life Changes: Marriages, births, deaths, and career shifts can all impact your estate. A spring cleaning ensures your plan aligns with your current family dynamics and financial goals.
- Legal Updates: Estate laws and tax regulations evolve, potentially affecting your plan’s effectiveness. A review ensures you’re leveraging the latest benefits and mitigating potential risks.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your estate is in order provides comfort and reduces stress for you and your loved ones during challenging times.
Spring Cleaning Tips:
1. Declutter & Organize:
- Gather all your estate planning documents (wills, trusts, POAs, etc.).
- Organize them by category and discard outdated versions.
- Create a central location for easy access and future updates.
2. Identify & Review Beneficiaries:
- Review your beneficiary designations for bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance policies.
- Update beneficiary names or percentages to reflect your current wishes.
- Consider naming contingent beneficiaries in case your primary choices are no longer living.
3. Ensure Your Documents are Current:
- Check if your estate planning documents comply with current Ohio laws.
- Contact your attorney if any updates are necessary due to legal changes.
- Review and update your power of attorney and healthcare proxy, if applicable.
4. Stay Informed about Tax Updates:
- Be aware of recent Ohio tax law changes that might impact your estate plan.
- Consult your attorney or financial advisor to understand how these changes affect your situation.
Bonus Tip: Consider incorporating digital asset management into your plan to address online accounts and social media profiles.
Schedule a consultation with our experienced attorneys to discuss your unique needs and update your estate plan for the future.