Year-End Estate Planning Checklist: Key Legal Updates Before 2026
Oct 29 2025 15:00

As 2025 nears its end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the big changes this year may have brought into your life. Whether these changes brought joy—such as a marriage or the birth of a child—or challenges like a divorce, they can have a significant impact on your estate plan and overall financial security. Taking proactive steps before the year slips away can give you peace of mind as you step into 2026.

 

At Limsky Law Group in Ellicott City, MD, we help families throughout Howard County and Maryland to ensure their legal documents are up to date and accurately reflect their wishes. Here’s how you can take charge of your estate planning before the year ends.

Welcoming a Child

Bringing a child into your family—through birth or adoption—is a major life event that requires important legal updates:

  • Update your will to appoint legal guardians for your child.

  • Review and adjust beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and retirement accounts to ensure your child is financially protected.

  • For adoptions, confirm that all court documents, adoption orders, and vital records accurately reflect the new addition to your family.

General Year-End Legal Check-In

Even if you’re not sure whether your life changes require legal updates, the end of the year is the ideal time to review your estate planning documents.

  • Check your will, trusts, and powers of attorney for accuracy.

  • Confirm that your beneficiary designations and property titles are current.

  • Review your healthcare directives to ensure they align with your wishes.

This year-end review can help you start 2026 with clarity and confidence.

Marriage or Divorce

A marriage or divorce is another critical trigger to update your estate plan:

  • Marriage: Update your will, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies to protect your spouse. Review beneficiary designations and property titles to reflect any name changes. If you didn’t sign a prenuptial agreement, consider discussing a postnuptial agreement with your attorney.

  • Divorce: Similar updates are necessary to protect your individual rights and remove former spouses from key legal documents if desired.

Buying a Home

If you purchased a home in 2025, make sure it’s properly incorporated into your estate plan:

  • Add the property to your will or trust.

  • Verify how the title is held and that your insurance coverage is adequate.

  • Consider creating a revocable living trust for smoother property transfers in the future.

Take Action Now for a Stress-Free New Year

Updating your estate plan is a simple yet powerful way to protect your loved ones and your legacy. At Limsky Law Group, we’ll guide you through reviewing and updating your legal documents so they align with your current situation.

Located in Ellicott City, MD, we proudly serve families in Howard County, Columbia, and neighboring Maryland communities.
Call 443-741-2120 or visit mdestatelawyers.com to schedule a consultation today.

Don’t leave your future to chance—start 2026 with the peace of mind that comes from having a comprehensive, up-to-date estate plan