5 Common Life Events That Make an Estate Plan Review Essential in Connecticut
Life does not stand still, and your estate plan should not either. Whether you already have a will and trust in place or are just beginning the process, it is important to know when your documents need to be revisited. At Harper Law, we help families across Connecticut ensure their estate plans reflect the lives they are living now, not the ones they lived years ago.
Below are five key life events that should prompt a review and update of your estate plan.
1. Marriage or Remarriage
Marriage often brings new priorities, financial goals, and family dynamics. If you have recently married or remarried, it is important to:
Add your spouse as a beneficiary on appropriate accounts or trusts
Update your powers of attorney and health care documents
Reevaluate your plan if you have a blended family
Without these updates, your spouse may not have the authority or inheritance you intended, particularly in an emergency or at death.
2. Divorce
Divorce is a major life transition that affects nearly every aspect of an estate plan. After a divorce, you should review all documents that may still reference your former spouse, including:
Your will or trust
Powers of attorney
Health care proxy and beneficiary designations
While Connecticut law may automatically revoke certain provisions in favor of a former spouse, relying on default rules is risky. Updating your plan ensures your current wishes are clearly documented and enforceable.
3. The Birth or Adoption of a Child or Grandchild
Welcoming a new child or grandchild is a joyful event and an important moment to revisit your plan. You may need to:
Name or update guardians for minor children
Create or revise trusts for long-term financial support
Add new family members as beneficiaries
These steps help ensure that the people you love most are protected and provided for according to your wishes.
4. Retirement or a Significant Change in Finances
Any major shift in your financial picture should trigger an estate plan review. Whether you are retiring, selling a business, or receiving an inheritance, you may want to:
Adjust how assets are titled or owned
Update your trust and review tax planning strategies
Revisit charitable giving or legacy planning goals
Because Connecticut estate tax laws and personal financial circumstances can change, keeping your plan current helps preserve what you have worked hard to build.
5. The Loss of a Spouse or Other Key Individual
If someone named in your plan has passed away, your documents should be updated promptly. This may include:
Appointing a new executor, trustee, or agent under a power of attorney
Revisiting how assets are distributed
Ensuring you have a clear plan in place moving forward
This is also an appropriate time to review your own health care directives and long-term care planning.
It Is Never Too Early to Update Your Plan
If it has been several years since your last review, or if one of these life events has occurred, now is the time to act. An up-to-date estate plan protects your family, avoids unnecessary complications, and provides peace of mind.
At Harper Law, we guide individuals and families through the estate planning process with clarity, care, and practical guidance. Whether you need to make targeted updates or create a new plan entirely, we are here to help.
Call us at (203) 883- 1656 or schedule a consultation today.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific legal guidance.