Year-End Estate Planning Checklist: What to Review Before 2026

As the year winds down, it’s easy to get caught up in holiday plans, family gatherings, and the promise of a fresh start. But before the calendar flips to 2026, take an hour to make sure your estate plan still reflects your wishes. A few simple updates now can save your loved ones confusion and stress later, and ensure your legacy stays protected.

1. Confirm Your Key Contacts

Start by reviewing who you’ve named in important roles:

• Executor or Trustee: Are they still able and willing to serve?
  
  
• Powers of Attorney: Does your financial or healthcare agent still make sense for your current situation?
  
  
• Guardians: If you have minor children or dependents, confirm your chosen guardians remain the right fit.
  
  

Life changes quickly. People move, relationships evolve, and responsibilities shift. Make sure your plan reflects today’s reality, not last decade’s.

2. Revisit Your Beneficiaries

Double-check beneficiary designations on:

• Retirement accounts
  
  
• Life insurance policies
  
  
• Pay-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts
  
  

These designations bypass your will, so they need to be accurate and intentional. If there have been births, deaths, or marriages in your family, it’s worth a fresh look.

3. Evaluate Your Trusts and Assets

If you have a trust, confirm that it’s fully funded, meaning your assets are correctly titled in the trust’s name. This step helps your estate avoid probate and ensures everything passes smoothly to your beneficiaries.

Also take stock of any new property, investments, or accounts you’ve opened this year. If they aren’t reflected in your plan, it’s time to update.

4. Check for Major Life or Law Changes

Did you retire, move to a new state, or experience a major health change this year?
Even if your circumstances haven’t changed, estate and tax laws evolve. A quick review with an attorney can confirm your plan is still compliant and optimized under current Ohio law.

5. Review Your Long-Term Care Strategy

Long-term care is one of the most overlooked parts of estate planning. Consider:

• How you’ll pay for care if you or your spouse need it
  
  
• Whether your existing plan protects assets from nursing home costs
  
  
• If your power of attorney covers Medicaid planning or asset transfers

These discussions are easier when handled early — not during a health crisis.

6. Communicate Your Plan

An estate plan only works if your loved ones know it exists and understand their roles. Spend a few minutes this season letting family know where your documents are and who to contact if something happens.

A Little Planning Now Means Peace of Mind Later

Estate planning isn’t just paperwork; it’s peace of mind. A short year-end review ensures your plan continues to reflect your life, protect your family, and honor your values.

If you’re unsure where to start, Wylkan Law’s free estate planning workshops are the perfect place to learn what updates might benefit you most. Reserve your seat for an upcoming session and head into 2026 with confidence that your legacy is secure.