The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect, reset, and plan ahead. Many people focus on fitness goals, finances, or career changes — but one of the most important resolutions you can make often gets overlooked: updating your estate plan.
If you live in Maryland, keeping your estate plan current is especially important. Life changes quickly, and outdated documents can leave your loved ones unprotected, create unnecessary conflict, or result in court involvement you never intended.
Here’s why updating your estate plan should be at the top of your New Year’s resolution list — and how proactive planning can give you peace of mind all year long.
Why Estate Planning Is Not “Set It and Forget It”
Many people believe once they’ve signed a will or power of attorney, they’re done. In reality, estate planning is an ongoing process — not a one-time task.
You should review your estate plan whenever you experience a major life change, including:
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Marriage or divorce
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Having children or grandchildren
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Buying or selling a home
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Starting or selling a business
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A significant change in finances
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A move within Maryland or from another state
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Changes in relationships with beneficiaries or fiduciaries
If your documents no longer reflect your current life, they may not work the way you expect when they’re needed most.
Why Updating Your Estate Plan Matters in Maryland
Maryland has specific laws governing probate, inheritance, medical decision-making, and guardianship. If your estate plan is outdated — or missing altogether — Maryland law will decide for you.
This can impact:
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Who inherits your assets
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Who manages your finances if you’re incapacitated
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Who makes medical decisions on your behalf
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Who serves as guardian for your minor children
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Whether your estate must go through probate
Updating your estate plan allows you — not the court — to stay in control.
Common Estate Planning Mistakes We See at the Start of the Year
As a Maryland family law and estate planning firm, we frequently see issues that could have been avoided with a simple update:
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Ex-spouses still named as beneficiaries
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Powers of attorney naming people no longer trusted
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Wills that don’t reflect blended families
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No plan for minor children
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Outdated healthcare directives
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Assets not properly titled or coordinated
The New Year is the perfect time to correct these issues before an emergency arises.
Estate Planning Is About More Than Assets
An estate plan is not just about “who gets what.” It’s about protection, clarity, and reducing stress for the people you love.
A comprehensive Maryland estate plan can include:
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A will
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Financial power of attorney
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Advance medical directive
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Guardianship designations
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Trust planning (when appropriate)
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Instructions for digital assets
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Planning for incapacity, not just death
When these documents are current, your loved ones are spared confusion, delay, and unnecessary conflict.
Why the New Year Is the Best Time to Update Your Estate Plan
The beginning of the year offers a unique opportunity:
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You’re already reviewing finances and goals
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It’s easier to schedule planning proactively
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You avoid last-minute decisions during crises
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You start the year with peace of mind
Making estate planning a New Year’s resolution means starting the year knowing your family is protected — no matter what happens.
Estate Planning for Maryland Families Going Through Change
Estate planning is especially important if you are:
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Recently divorced or separated
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In a blended family
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An unmarried parent
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Caring for aging parents
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Planning for college-age children
These transitions often require updates to beneficiary designations, guardianship choices, and powers of attorney to reflect your new reality.
DIY Tools vs. Legal Guidance
Online templates and generic forms often fail to comply with Maryland-specific laws or account for real-life family dynamics.
If you’re looking for affordable, practical estate planning resources, we offer tools designed to help you plan intentionally — without unnecessary complexity.
Visit our StanStore for estate planning resources:
https://stan.store/JacobsonFamilyLaw
Local Maryland Estate Planning Support You Can Trust
At Jacobson Family Law, we help individuals and families throughout Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and across Maryland plan proactively — not reactively.
Whether you need to update an existing plan or start fresh, the New Year is the right time to take action.
Learn more at: https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com
Because protecting your family shouldn’t be left to chance — or next year.
