As 2025 begins, many people are setting goals to improve their lives—whether it’s prioritizing health, finances, or personal growth. One important resolution that should not be overlooked is estate planning. If you’ve been putting it off or need to update an existing plan, now is the perfect time to take action.
Life changes quickly, and your estate plan should reflect your current circumstances and wishes. Whether you’ve moved to a new state, experienced a major life event such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, or simply haven’t reviewed your documents in years, a fresh look at your plan is essential.
A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and names an executor to manage your estate. Without an updated will, your estate may not be handled as you intended, potentially leading to complications for your loved ones. If you’ve experienced significant life changes, it’s crucial to revise your will to reflect your current preferences.
A revocable trust is a valuable tool that allows assets to pass directly to beneficiaries while avoiding the delays and costs of probate. Trusts also offer privacy, as they do not become public records like wills. If you haven’t yet considered a trust, or if your existing trust needs adjustments, now is a great time to review your options.
A Power of Attorney (POA) grants someone the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. A Durable Power of Attorney covers financial matters, allowing a trusted person to manage your bills, property, and accounts. A Medical Power of Attorney designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you. These documents should be customized to meet your specific needs and updated as circumstances change.
If you become terminally ill or unable to communicate, a living will ensures that your medical wishes are respected. This document outlines your preferences for life support, artificial nutrition, and other medical interventions. Having clear advance directives spares your loved ones the emotional burden of making these difficult decisions without guidance.
Many financial assets, such as retirement accounts, pensions, life insurance policies, and bank accounts, allow you to name beneficiaries directly. These assets bypass probate, making it crucial to ensure that your beneficiary designations are up to date. Reviewing these designations regularly helps avoid unintended consequences, such as outdated or incorrect beneficiaries receiving funds.
Getting your estate plan in order is a resolution you’ll be grateful to have accomplished. Not only does it provide peace of mind, but it also protects your loved ones from unnecessary legal complications and uncertainty.
At The Werner Law Firm, our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you create or update your will, trust, and power of attorney documents to reflect your current wishes. Let this be the year you secure your legacy and ensure your family’s future.
If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.
You can also read reviews from some of the hundreds of clients we have helped over the years.
Reference: Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls Press (Jan. 5, 2025) “Estate Planning in 2025: A New Year’s Resolution worth keeping”
Founded in 1975 by L. Rob Werner, The Werner Law Firm and our dedicated attorneys are available for clients, friends, and family members to receive the legal help they need and deserve. You can trust in our experience and reputation to help navigate you through your unique legal matters.
Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. From the moment you contact our firm, through the final resolution of your matter, our goal is to make the process easy and understandable. Through our Werner Law Firm Difference, our goal is to have you feel like a burden was lifted from your shoulders, and that we made the whole process an easy one
If you’re looking into taking care of your estate planning, we urge you to schedule a free initial appointment today and join the many satisfied clients who have contacted Werner Law Firm.
