A will is not a document you create once and forget about. As life changes, your priorities, responsibilities, and relationships often change with it. When that happens, your will should be reviewed to make sure it still reflects your wishes and works the way you intend.
For individuals and families in Colorado Springs, major life events such as marriage, children, retirement, or changes in assets are often a natural point to revisit estate planning. Keeping your will up to date can help avoid confusion and ensure loved ones are protected.
Why Life Changes Should Trigger a Will Review
Your will controls how assets are distributed and who is responsible for handling your estate. When life circumstances shift, an outdated will may no longer reflect what you want or what makes the most sense.
Even small changes can have a big impact if they are not addressed. Reviewing your will after major milestones helps ensure your intentions are clear and your plan still works as expected.
Common Life Events That Call for an Update
Marriage or Divorce
Marriage often brings new financial goals and responsibilities. You may want to add a spouse as a beneficiary or update who serves as personal representative.
Divorce is equally important to address. While Colorado law may affect certain provisions automatically, relying on default rules can lead to unintended outcomes. Updating your will allows you to clearly reflect your current wishes.
Birth or Adoption of a Child
When you welcome a child into your family, your will becomes especially important. This is the time to:
- Name or update guardians
- Adjust distributions
- Consider long-term planning for children’s needs
Failing to update your will after a child is born can leave critical decisions unresolved.
Changes in Assets or Property
Buying or selling a home, starting a business, receiving an inheritance, or significant changes in savings should prompt a review. Your will should reflect what you own today, not what you owned years ago.
For many Colorado Springs residents, real estate and retirement accounts make up a large portion of their estate, making coordination especially important.
Retirement or Career Changes
Retirement often shifts focus from building wealth to preserving and distributing it. This is a good time to review how assets are handled and whether beneficiaries or fiduciaries still make sense.
Death or Incapacity of a Named Individual
If someone named in your will passes away or is no longer able to serve, updates are essential. This includes beneficiaries, guardians, and personal representatives.
What Updating a Will Actually Involves
Reviewing the Entire Document
Updating a will is more than changing one name or clause. A full review helps identify whether the document still fits your overall estate plan and works alongside other documents.
Coordinating with Other Estate Planning Documents
Your will should align with beneficiary designations, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Changes in one area often affect others.
Avoiding Informal Changes
Handwritten notes or verbal instructions do not legally change a will. Updates should be made formally to ensure they are valid and enforceable.
How Often Should You Review Your Will?
Even without major life events, reviewing your will every few years is a good practice. Laws change, assets change, and family dynamics evolve. Regular reviews help catch issues early, before they become problems.
A Thoughtful Update Brings Peace of Mind
Keeping your will current is one of the simplest ways to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. Addressing updates promptly after major life changes helps prevent confusion and unnecessary stress later.
If you’ve experienced a major life change or simply want to make sure your will still reflects your goals, our team at Mason Law & Planning Group works with individuals and families to keep estate plans clear and up to date. You can reach out through our website or give our office a call to find a time that works for you.