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Most of us create a will with good intentions, then tuck it away and forget about it. But a lot can change in just a few years—your family, your finances, even the law. If you haven’t looked at your will lately, now might be a good time. In this post, we’ll explain why keeping your will up to date matters and how we can help you make sure it still reflects your current wishes.
When Life Changes, Your Will Should Too
Your will should reflect your current life—not the way things looked five, ten, or twenty years ago. We often remind clients that it’s worth reviewing their estate plan after major life events. You might need to update your will if you’ve:
- Gotten married or divorced
- Had children or grandchildren
- Lost someone named in your will
- Moved to or from Massachusetts
- Bought or sold a house or other major asset
- Started or closed a business
These changes can have a significant impact on how your estate is distributed. A marriage could mean adding a spouse; a divorce might mean removing one. The birth of a grandchild could prompt you to add another beneficiary. And if you’ve moved into Massachusetts, it’s important to be sure your will meets state legal requirements. A quick review with an attorney can go a long way toward keeping everything in order.
Common Mistakes We See With Outdated Wills
Outdated wills can create confusion, delays, and even conflict during probate. Here are a few issues we often see:
- Beneficiaries who have passed away or are no longer in your life
- Guardians listed for children who are now grown
- Executors who are no longer available or willing to serve
- Assets that no longer exist or weren’t properly included
When these problems pop up, your loved ones may have to rely on a court to interpret your intentions. That process can be stressful—and expensive. Keeping your will current reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps ensure your wishes are honored. If you’re not sure whether your will still makes sense, we’re happy to review it with you.
What to Expect When You Update Your Will
Updating your will doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, a simple amendment—called a codicil—is enough. Other times, it makes more sense to draft a new will entirely, especially if you’ve had multiple changes over the years.
We’ll sit down with you and talk about your current family situation, financial picture, and goals. If your assets or relationships have shifted, we’ll make sure your documents reflect that. We’ll also take a look at related estate planning tools, like your power of attorney, health care proxy, and any trusts you may have.
We’ll guide you through every step, prepare the updated documents, and ensure they’re properly signed and witnessed under Massachusetts law. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself—we’ll help you make informed decisions and keep things straightforward from start to finish.
How We Can Help You Keep Your Will Current
At LaFountain & Wollman P.C., we believe estate planning should give you confidence and clarity—not confusion. When you meet with us to review your will, we’ll take the time to understand what’s changed and what matters to you today.
If your current documents are still appropriate, we’ll let you know. If not, we’ll explain your options clearly and help you make thoughtful updates. We’re always available if you experience a major life change or simply want a second set of eyes on your plan. You won’t be left guessing—we’re here to support you whenever you need guidance.
Don’t Wait to Make Updates
If you’re asking yourself whether your will needs an update, that’s a good sign it’s time for a review. Life changes fast, and it’s worth making sure your estate plan still matches your wishes. We’re here to help you do just that. Reach out to LaFountain & Wollman P.C. to schedule a will review. We’ll make the process easy—and give you peace of mind that your future is well taken care of.