Your Year-End Estate Planning Check-In: Protect What Matters Most

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause and make sure your estate plan still reflects your life, your goals, and the people you care about most.

Estate planning isn’t just about documents — it’s about direction. It’s the framework that guides how your assets are managed, your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are protected. And just like life, your plan should evolve.

From updating beneficiary designations to funding your trust, small year-end check-ins can make a big difference in keeping your estate plan strong, compliant, and ready for the future.

If you live in Ventura County, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, or Woodland Hills, our experienced estate planning attorneys are here to help you review your plan and make sure everything is up to date.

Make Sure Your Plan Still Fits Your Life

If you already have an estate plan in place, you’re ahead of the curve — but that doesn’t mean you’re done.

Estate plans should be reviewed every few years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, relocation, or significant changes in assets. Laws and family dynamics change, and your documents should, too.

Take a moment to review:

• Your will, trust, and power of attorney

• Healthcare directives and guardianship designations

• Asset titles and beneficiary designations

Ask yourself:

Do these documents still reflect my wishes?

Have my relationships, finances, or residence changed?

Does everyone named still make sense in their role?

Working with a trusted estate planning lawyer ensures your documents remain legally compliant and accurately reflect your current goals.

Trusts Only Work When They’re Funded

Creating a trust is only the first step — funding it is what makes it effective.

Make sure your assets — from bank accounts to real estate — are properly titled in the name of your trust. Otherwise, they may still go through probate, defeating one of the main benefits of having a trust.

If you set up a revocable living trust this year, confirm that:

• Deeds and titles reflect the trust’s ownership

• Beneficiary designations align with your plan

• “Pour-over” provisions in your will are current

For those in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, or Woodland Hills, our estate planning team can help you complete trust funding and avoid unnecessary probate delays.

Update Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives

Your durable power of attorney and advance healthcare directive empower someone you trust to make financial and medical decisions if you can’t.

But life changes — and so might your chosen representatives. Check that your agents are still willing, able, and nearby to serve if needed. Updating these documents now can spare your loved ones from the stress of pursuing a conservatorship later on.

If you’re in Ventura County or nearby communities and haven’t updated your incapacity documents in a few years, now’s the time.

Double-Check Your Beneficiaries

One of the most common estate planning mistakes is outdated beneficiary designations on accounts like:

• Life insurance policies

• Retirement plans (401(k)s, IRAs)

• Investment or brokerage accounts

These designations override your will or trust — so make sure they reflect your current wishes. A quick review before year-end can prevent big surprises later.

Our estate planning attorneys can review your full plan and ensure your beneficiaries and legal documents work together seamlessly.

Your Estate Plan Is a Living Framework

Your estate plan isn’t a one-time project — it’s a living framework that grows with you. It’s how you protect your loved ones, reduce uncertainty, and ensure your legacy continues with clarity and compassion.

As you close out 2025, make it a goal to review your plan with a trusted estate planning attorney in Woodland Hills, CA. Whether it’s updating your will, funding your trust, or ensuring your healthcare directives are current, these small steps today can provide peace of mind for years to come.