New Year, New Estate Plan

The start of a new year is the perfect time to focus on setting goals, creating new habits, and planning for the future. While most people think of resolutions around health, fitness, or finances, one area that often gets overlooked is estate planning. Establishing or updating your estate plan early in the year can bring peace of mind and provide significant benefits for you and your loved ones. Here’s why starting your estate plan at the beginning of the year is a smart move.



The beginning of the year provides an opportunity to check important life goals off your list. By taking the time to create an estate plan, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your wishes are clearly outlined in the event of your incapacity or death. An estate plan ensures that your assets are distributed according to your desires, your healthcare decisions are managed by someone you trust, and your family knows how to carry out your wishes.

Starting the year with an estate plan in place gives you one less thing to worry about throughout the months ahead. It provides a sense of security and helps you move forward with confidence.



Estate planning is often something that people put off until later in life. However, waiting until the a life-changing even or illness can result in stress, rushing through the process, and potentially missing out on key opportunities for tax planning or updating critical documents.

By creating your estate plan early, you’ll avoid feeling rushed and have more time to carefully consider your goals, make thoughtful decisions, and consult with an experienced estate planning attorney. You won’t feel the pressure of looming deadlines, and you can be sure that your plan is well thought out and comprehensive.



The beginning of the year is an excellent time to evaluate your estate plan from a tax perspective. Estate planning often goes hand in hand with tax planning, and establishing your plan early in the year allows you to assess potential tax liabilities and take advantage of strategies that could reduce estate taxes.

For example, you may want to review Missouri’s estate tax laws, as well as federal estate tax exemptions and exclusions, to see how these factors may affect your estate. An estate planning attorney can help you incorporate strategies to minimize your estate's tax burden, such as gifting assets to family members or setting up trusts to protect your wealth and avoid probate.

Taking action early means you have more time to strategize and implement tax-saving measures without feeling rushed as the year progresses.



Life changes rapidly, and you may experience significant life events such as marriage, the birth of children, a change in health, or the acquisition of new assets. These events may require updates to your estate plan.



Starting your estate plan at the beginning of the year allows you to review your current life situation and tailor your plan accordingly. If you've had any major life changes recently, now is the perfect time to make sure your plan reflects your current wishes. For instance:

• You may need to update beneficiaries on your life insurance policies or retirement accounts.
• You may want to ensure that your healthcare directives and powers of attorney are aligned with your current preferences.
• If you’ve acquired new property or assets, make sure they are included in your will or trust.

Creating or reviewing your estate plan early in the year gives you the opportunity to get ahead of any changes and address them proactively.



Estate planning isn’t just about securing your own future; it’s also about making things easier for your loved ones in the event of your incapacity or death. Having a clear, legally binding estate plan in place helps avoid confusion, disagreements, and unnecessary stress for your family.

If you wait until later in the year, you may find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to make decisions or are dealing with health issues, which could make creating an estate plan more difficult. Starting the year by creating or updating your estate plan ensures your family members know exactly what to do and who to turn to for assistance, and it helps avoid lengthy probate or legal battles.



In Missouri, estate planning often requires legal expertise to ensure that documents are properly drafted and executed. Starting the process early in the year gives you ample time to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney who can guide you through the process and answer your questions.

Estate planning attorneys can also help you navigate the complexities of Missouri law, such as the state’s probate process, healthcare directives, guardianship arrangements for minor children, and strategies for reducing estate taxes. Starting early means you can avoid last-minute decisions and ensure that your plan is set up properly.



Starting your estate plan early gives you time to account for any delays that may arise. Whether it’s coordinating with family members, collecting important financial documents, or scheduling meetings with professionals, taking the time at the beginning of the year ensures you won’t run into unexpected hurdles as the months go on.

By beginning the process early, you give yourself the flexibility to handle these situations without stress, which ultimately results in a smoother, more efficient estate planning experience.



An estate plan isn’t a one-time task; it should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect any changes in your life circumstances or in the law. Creating your estate plan at the beginning of the year can also serve as a reminder to review your plan annually. This can be a part of your yearly resolutions, ensuring your plan is always up-to-date.

Regular reviews will ensure that any changes in tax law, healthcare laws, or personal circumstances are reflected in your estate plan, giving you continued confidence that it meets your current needs.



Creating an estate plan is a crucial step toward securing your future and ensuring that your wishes are carried out. The beginning of the year provides an excellent opportunity to get your estate planning in order and start the year off right. By addressing your estate plan early, you can avoid the stress of last-minute decisions, take advantage of tax strategies, and ensure that your plan aligns with your current life circumstances.

Whether you’re establishing a new estate plan or updating an existing one, working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you navigate the process and make informed decisions. Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC has over ten years of experience in creating individualized estate plan that are tailored to the needs and wishes of his clients. Take advantage of the new year to plan for your future and give your loved ones the clarity and security they deserve.

Call our office today to set up a free consultation.