Life doesn't stay the same—so neither should your estate plan.
Whether you crafted your estate plan five years ago or just last year, new developments in your personal life or changes in Arizona law may mean it's time for an update.
In this article, we’ll walk through key life events and legal shifts in 2025 that signal it’s time to revisit your estate documents.
Key Life Changes That Call for an Update
Estate plans are living documents. Your plan should reflect those updates when your circumstances change to avoid confusion or costly probate battles.
Here are common life events that warrant an estate plan review:
1. Marriage or Divorce
- Got married? Add your new spouse to your will, trust, or powers of attorney.
- Recently divorced? You’ll likely want to remove your ex from decision-making roles and reassign beneficiaries.
2. Birth or Adoption of a Child
A new child means you need to:
- Appoint guardians in case of an untimely death.
- Set up trusts to manage inheritance.
- Update beneficiary designations accordingly.
3. Death or Incapacity of a Beneficiary or Executor
If someone named in your estate plan passes away or becomes incapacitated, it’s crucial to:
- Appoint a new executor or trustee.
- Reallocate assets intended for the deceased.
- Confirm alternate heirs are in place.
4. A Significant Change in Assets
Buying a house, starting a business, or receiving a significant inheritance? Your estate plan should reflect:
- New property and how it’s titled.
- Updated asset distribution.
- Additional tax planning if needed.
5. Retirement
Retirement often brings a shift in finances. It’s a good time to:
- Update financial powers of attorney.
- Adjust trusts or tax planning strategies.
- Ensure your estate plan aligns with your income sources.
Legal or Tax Changes in Arizona That Matter in 2025
Even if your personal life is stable, law changes can make your old plan obsolete. In 2025, Arizona made headlines with several updates:
Arizona’s Cryptocurrency Reserve Law
If you hold crypto assets, make sure your plan accounts for:
- Secure access and private keys.
- Specific instructions in your will or trust.
- Clarity on valuation and taxation.
Updated Small Estate Thresholds
Arizona’s simplified probate limits were recently revised. If your estate now qualifies for small estate exemptions, you might want to restructure how your assets transfer to take full advantage.
Signs It’s Time for a Legal Check-Up
Even without a significant event, you should review your estate plan every 3–5 years. Ask yourself:
- Are all my named individuals (executor, trustee, guardians) still the best choices?
- Do my documents reflect my current wishes and beliefs?
- Are my assets appropriately titled to avoid probate?
If any answer is “no,” it’s time to refresh.
Update Your Estate Plan with Confidence
At Wesbrooks Law, we help Arizona families keep their estate plans current, accurate, and legally sound. Life is unpredictable—but your legacy doesn’t have to be.
Let’s review your plan together and ensure it protects what matters most.
Contact us today or call (602) 262-4357
for a FREE consultation.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney to address your specific legal needs.
