Planning for the future often feels easier to postpone, especially when life is full and the year ahead is already taking shape. But entering 2026 with a clear, updated estate plan can bring clarity, control, and a sense of readiness for whatever the coming years hold. Whether an estate plan is brand new or years old, revisiting it with intention can help ensure that it still reflects personal goals, family needs, and current laws.
Reach out through our online contact form or call (385) 481-5276 if there is a need for guidance with any estate planning decisions.
Understanding Why Estate Planning Matters In 2026
Estate planning is more than a set of documents; it is a long-term strategy that outlines how personal wishes should be handled in the event of incapacity, illness, or death. For many families, these plans also help ease burdens, reduce conflict, and streamline difficult processes during emotionally heavy times.
With 2026 approaching, this period of renewal offers a natural opportunity to evaluate the status of an existing estate plan. Families change, financial circumstances shift, and laws evolve. This checklist will guide readers through key areas to review.
1. Review And Update Your Will
A will is the foundation of most estate plans. It outlines how property and assets should be distributed and names a personal representative responsible for carrying out those wishes.
When To Update A Will
Life changes are often the best indicators that a will may need revision. For instance:
- A marriage, divorce, or new child
- Significant changes in finances
- The death or relocation of an appointed executor
These events can impact how the estate plan functions, making updates essential. A Kaysville estate planning attorney can help ensure that changes are properly documented and legally sound.
Why This Step Matters
Keeping a will updated helps prevent confusion and reduces the chances of decisions being made by the courts rather than in accordance with personal intention.
2. Evaluate Beneficiary Designations
Some assets—such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and certain bank accounts—do not pass through a will. Instead, they transfer directly to named beneficiaries.
Common Accounts To Check
Before reviewing financial designations, it helps to know which accounts typically allow beneficiary listings:
- Life insurance policies
- Employer or personal retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
- Payable-on-death or transfer-on-death bank accounts
Regularly reviewing these designations ensures they still reflect the individual's wishes.
Why This Step Matters
Beneficiary listings override the will, meaning outdated or incorrect names could result in unintended consequences. Updating these forms is often simple and can help an estate plan work as intended.
3. Refresh Healthcare Directives And Powers Of Attorney
Healthcare directives and financial powers of attorney ensure that someone trusted can make important decisions if a person becomes unable to communicate or manage their own affairs.
Choosing The Right Decision-Makers
These documents include:
- A healthcare directive (also called an advance directive), which outlines preferences for medical treatment.
- A medical power of attorney, which names someone to make healthcare decisions.
- A financial power of attorney, which gives authority to manage finances if incapacitated.
Working with a Kaysville estate planning attorney can help ensure these designations are both legally compliant and personally aligned.
Why This Step Matters
Medical decisions and financial management may become urgent without warning. Having clear instructions and appointed decision-makers helps avoid confusion and reduces the potential strain on loved ones.
4. Assess The Need For A Trust
Trusts are often used to manage assets more effectively, protect privacy, or support loved ones with unique needs. They can also help streamline the transfer of property and may reduce the need for probate.
Reasons Some Families Consider A Trust
Trusts may be worth evaluating if:
- There is a desire to minimize court involvement
- A child or family member needs long-term financial management
- Privacy is important
- Property exists in multiple states
A trust is not necessary for every individual, but for many families, it can offer deeper protection and flexibility within an overall estate plan.
Why This Step Matters
Considering whether a trust fits into the estate plan helps ensure that loved ones receive support in a structured and thoughtful way.
5. Organize Key Documents And Communicate Your Plan
Even a strong estate plan can fall short if documents cannot be located or if family members are unsure what to expect. Organization and communication are the essential final steps for the new year.
Important Items To Organize
Below is a list of documents and items that should be stored in a secure but accessible place:
- The will and any trust documents
- Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
- Life insurance information
- A list of digital accounts and passwords
- Property deeds, titles, or financial accounts
Keeping these items organized ensures they can be referenced quickly when needed.
Why This Step Matters
Clarity helps family members navigate challenging moments. Sharing the location of documents and the general outline of the estate plan can reduce uncertainty and promote peace of mind for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead: Preparing For A Stronger 2026
As the year approaches, creating or updating an estate plan can offer a sense of direction and stability. These five steps provide a framework for reviewing the essentials and making adjustments where needed. Whether someone is starting from scratch or refining long-standing documents, taking time for this preparation ensures that personal wishes remain clearly represented.
Estate Plan Guidance From A Kaysville Estate Planning Attorney
Preparing an estate plan for 2026 can feel more manageable with the support of a knowledgeable team. For personal guidance, reach out to Sandberg, Stettler, & White through the online contact form or call (385) 481-5276. Our team is ready to help create an estate plan that reflects personal values and long-term goals.