Before the Year Ends: Update Your Estate Plan to Reflect Life’s Big Moments
As the year winds down, it’s natural to reflect on the major moments that shaped your life in 2025. Whether this year brought joy, loss, change, or growth, it's essential to ensure that your legal documents and estate plan reflect those changes. Keeping your estate plan up to date is one of the most important ways you can protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for your loved ones.
Before the calendar turns to 2026, take a few moments to review your current documents and consider how the year’s events might affect your legal and financial plans. Below are some of the most common life changes—and how they can impact your estate planning in Arkansas.
1. Marriage or Divorce
A change in marital status is a major legal event—and one that should trigger a careful review of your estate plan. After a marriage or divorce, you may need to:
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Update your will, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxy documents
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Change beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, or pay-on-death accounts
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Revise how property is titled
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Notify the Social Security Administration if you changed your name
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Consider a postnuptial agreement if you were married this year without a prenup
Failing to update these documents can lead to confusion or even legal disputes down the line, so don’t leave them untouched.
2. Welcoming a Child
Whether you gave birth, adopted, or welcomed a child through another path, expanding your family is a powerful reason to revisit your wills and trusts. As part of your review, be sure to:
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Add your child to your will and designate a legal guardian
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Review and update beneficiary designations
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Confirm that your child is added to your health insurance
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Set up a trust if you want to control how and when assets are distributed to them
If you’ve adopted, there may be additional legal filings, court orders, and updates to vital records. Be sure these changes are reflected accurately in your estate plan.
3. Buying a Home
A new home is often the largest investment a family will make, and it should absolutely be included in your estate planning strategy. After a home purchase, you’ll want to:
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Add the property to your estate plan
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Confirm the title and ownership structure (especially if purchased with a spouse or partner)
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Review and update your homeowner’s insurance and umbrella liability coverage
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Consider placing the property into a revocable living trust to avoid probate and streamline future ownership transfers
Incorporating your new property into your estate plan helps protect it and ensures your intentions for it are honored.
Why Year-End Reviews Matter
Taking stock of your estate plan before year-end helps you enter the new year with clarity and confidence. It ensures that your loved ones are protected and that your wishes will be respected—no matter what the future holds. Estate planning isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process that should evolve with your life.
Start the New Year Prepared
At The Eaves Firm, we help Arkansas families stay ready for whatever life brings. Whether you’ve experienced a big life event this year or simply haven’t reviewed your estate plan in a while, we’re here to help you make sure your plan reflects your current reality—and your future goals.
Schedule your year-end estate planning review today and step into 2026 with peace of mind and a secure legacy.