Is Your Estate Plan Protecting Your Family—or Just Sitting in a Drawer?

When was the last time you opened your estate planning binder?

If your answer is "when I signed it five years ago," "before our second kid was born," or "honestly, I can't remember," you are far from alone. Most people treat estate planning like a chore to check off a bucket list: you do it once, put the folder on a shelf, and figure you’re set for life.

Unfortunately, life doesn't stand still—and neither do state laws. An outdated estate plan, or a poorly drafted one, can sometimes cause just as much hardship as having no plan at all.

The Estate Planning Health Check: Does Yours Need Updating?

An estate plan is a dynamic document that should evolve as your life changes. As a rule of thumb, you should review your plan every 3 to 5 years, or immediately following any major life milestone.

Ask yourself these quick questions:

Life Milestone	Has This Happened Recently?
Family	Marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child/grandchild, or death of a beneficiary?
Assets	Bought or sold real estate, started a business, or experienced a significant shift in net worth?
Relocation	Moved to a new state with different property or tax laws?
Fiduciaries	Are your designated executors, trustees, or guardians still the right fit?
Tax Laws	Has it been over 5 years since a legal professional reviewed tax strategies in your trust?

If you answered "yes" to any of those—or if you aren't sure what your documents currently say—it's time for a review.

Take Control of Your Legacy

A great estate plan does more than transfer property—it provides clarity, prevents family friction, and grants peace of mind.

Whether you need to create your very first plan, audit an existing trust, or ensure your real estate is properly funded into your estate, Rodono Law is here to help you protect what matters most.

Ready to make sure your plan actually works when your family needs it?