Stress-Test Your Estate Plan: 9 Questions Every Virginia Family Should Ask

Stress-Test Your Estate Plan: Is It Still Working for You?

Creating an estate plan is a major milestone. It means you’ve taken the time to protect your loved ones and put your wishes in writing — but signing the documents isn’t the finish line. The true strength of your plan lies in how well it continues to serve you as life evolves.

Why Your Estate Plan Should Evolve With You

An estate plan isn’t a one-time project — it’s a living, breathing reflection of your life. As your family, finances, and goals change, so should your plan. A growing family, a new business, a move to another state, or even new tax laws can all impact how your plan functions. Regular check-ins help ensure your plan continues to protect what matters most.

9 Questions to Stress-Test Your Estate Plan

You don’t need to pore over documents for hours to know if your plan is up to date. Instead, ask yourself these nine simple questions:

1. When did you last update your will or trust?

   A good rule of thumb is every three to five years — or sooner if you’ve had a major life event. Laws and personal circumstances change quickly, and an outdated plan can leave gaps you never intended.

2. Who’s in charge when you’re gone?
   Review who you’ve named as executor or trustee. Are they still the right fit — capable, trustworthy, and aligned with your values? It’s easy to choose someone out of obligation, but the role requires clear judgment and dependability.

3. Do you have the right kind and amount of life insurance?
   Make sure your policies still fit your needs and that your beneficiary designations are current. If your trust is listed as a beneficiary, confirm that setup still aligns with your attorney’s recommendations.

4. How are your assets titled?
   Joint ownership can be convenient — but it can also cause tax complications or unintended results. Double-check how your property and accounts are titled, especially if they’re shared with someone other than your spouse.

5. Would your loved ones know where to find everything?
   Keep an updated list of your financial accounts, benefits, passwords, and key documents in one secure place. Good recordkeeping can spare your family a tremendous amount of stress.

6. Has your health or a loved one’s health changed?
   Health changes often trigger updates to your healthcare proxy, powers of attorney, and living will. Make sure your current agents are still the right people to make decisions for you if needed.

7. Has your financial picture shifted?
   New investments, inheritances, or major purchases can all affect your plan. Keeping your estate documents in sync with your finances helps avoid surprises and ensures your assets pass the way you intend.

8. Have you accounted for your digital life?
   From cryptocurrency to cloud storage, digital assets are now part of your legacy. Clarify who can access them and how you’d like them managed or transferred.

9. When was your last professional review?
   Even if nothing big has changed, it’s smart to have an estate planning attorney review your documents every three to five years. Small tweaks now can prevent costly issues later.

Peace of Mind Starts With a Review

If any of these questions gave you pause, it might be time to revisit your plan. Life changes — your estate plan should too. Our team is here to help you review your documents, update your strategy, and ensure your legacy remains protected.

Schedule your estate plan review today — and get back the peace of mind you deserve.