Why December Is One of the Best Times to Review Your Estate Plan
As the year comes to a close, many people begin reflecting on family, finances, and what the future holds. December is naturally a season of planning—yet estate planning is often overlooked until a crisis forces action.
In reality, the end of the year is one of the most strategic and practical times to review your estate plan. For Florida residents especially, a December review can help ensure your plan is current, compliant, and positioned for the year ahead.
Here’s why reviewing your estate plan before the new year can make a meaningful difference.
Families Are Already Thinking About the Future
The holidays bring families together—often across generations. Conversations naturally turn to health, aging parents, adult children, grandchildren, and long-term goals.
This makes December an ideal time to consider questions like:
• Are the right people named to make decisions for me if I cannot?
• Would my loved ones know what to do if something unexpected happened?
• Does my estate plan reflect my current family situation?
Estate planning is ultimately about protecting people, not just assets. December offers the clarity and perspective to revisit those decisions thoughtfully.
Your Financial Picture for the Year Is Clear
By December, most people have a solid understanding of:
• Their income and expenses for the year
• Changes in assets or investments
• Retirement account balances
• Real estate ownership or business interests
This clarity makes it easier to evaluate whether your estate plan still aligns with your financial reality. It also allows your attorney to identify planning opportunities—or risks—that may not be as visible earlier in the year.
Avoiding Rushed Decisions in the New Year
January often brings urgency. People rush to “get things done,” and estate planning can become reactive rather than strategic.
Reviewing your estate plan in December allows you to:
• Make informed decisions without pressure
• Avoid last-minute document changes
• Enter the new year with peace of mind
• Address issues proactively rather than during a health or family emergency
Thoughtful planning is almost always better than rushed planning.
Preparing for Legal and Tax Uncertainty Ahead
Looking ahead to 2026, there is continued uncertainty around federal tax laws, estate tax exemptions, and long-term care planning rules. While Florida does not have a state estate tax, federal changes can still significantly impact families—especially those with higher net worth or complex assets.
A December review allows you to:
• Evaluate whether your current plan is flexible enough for future changes
• Identify planning strategies that may still be available
• Ensure trusts, beneficiary designations, and asset structures remain appropriate
Planning ahead puts you in a stronger position regardless of what changes may come.
Florida-Specific Estate Planning Issues Matter
Florida estate planning has unique considerations that make regular reviews especially important, including:
• Homestead laws and inheritance restrictions
• Spousal rights under Florida law
• Probate procedures and timelines
• Medicaid and long-term care planning rules
If your plan was created years ago—or in another state—it may no longer provide the protection you expect. A year-end review helps ensure your documents are aligned with current Florida law.
A Simple End-of-Year Estate Planning Check
As the year closes, it’s a good time to ask:
• Have there been changes in my family, health, or finances this year?
• Are my beneficiaries, trustees, and agents still appropriate?
• Are guardians named if I have minor children?
• Does my plan reflect Florida law and my current goals?
If the answer to any of these questions is “I’m not sure,” a review is likely overdue.
Starting the New Year with Confidence
Estate planning is not about anticipating the worst—it’s about reducing uncertainty and providing clarity for the people you care about most.
Reviewing your estate plan in December allows you to enter the new year knowing your affairs are in order, your wishes are documented, and your loved ones are protected.
For many Florida families, that peace of mind is one of the most valuable gifts they can give themselves—and those they love.
