One of the biggest estate planning mistakes families make is treating it as a “set it and forget it” project. You create a will or trust once and then never look at it again. The problem? Life changes—and if your plan doesn’t change with it, your family could be left with confusion, disputes, or even invalid documents.
A recent article from Kiplinger puts it plainly: “Set-It-and-Forget-It Won’t Work.” An outdated estate plan can fail when you need it most, leaving loved ones unprotected and your wishes ignored.
What Can Go Wrong with an Outdated Estate Plan?
If you don’t review and update your plan regularly, here’s what can happen:
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Your documents may not be valid. Moving to a new state can make your estate plan ineffective because probate and estate laws vary widely.
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Guardianship choices may no longer fit. The person you named as guardian for your children years ago may not be the right choice now that they’re teenagers.
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Executors and trustees may be outdated. The trusted person you named might have moved, passed away, or simply isn’t the best choice anymore.
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Complex assets may overwhelm family. If you’ve acquired a business, rental property, or significant wealth, your family may not be equipped to manage it. Naming a professional trustee or executor may be a smarter move.
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Digital assets may be overlooked. Cryptocurrency, online accounts, and social media profiles all need to be addressed—or your family could face identity theft and cybercrime.
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Tax and legal changes can hurt your family. Laws change regularly, and what worked 10 years ago may now leave your estate vulnerable to higher taxes or legal challenges.
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
Estate plans should be reviewed every few years—and always after major life events. Consider updating your will, trust, and powers of attorney when you experience:
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Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
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Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
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Death of a spouse, child, or beneficiary
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A move to a new state
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Significant changes in finances (such as inheriting money, selling a business, or retirement)
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Changes in health that may affect long-term care needs
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Strained or changed family relationships
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Major tax law changes
If it has been more than five to ten years since your last review, it’s time to meet with an estate planning attorney—even if nothing “big” has happened. Subtle legal changes can still affect your plan.
How Vick Law in Greenwood, Indiana Can Help
At Vick Law, 3209 W. Smith Valley Rd., Suite 113, Greenwood, IN 46142, we help families make sure their estate plans stay up to date. We know how easy it is to push this task off until “someday,” but waiting too long can cost your family dearly.
When you work with us, we:
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Review your current will, trust, and powers of attorney.
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Identify any gaps created by life changes or law changes.
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Update your documents so they reflect your current wishes.
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Help you plan for new challenges, including long-term care and digital assets.
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Give you peace of mind knowing your family won’t be left scrambling.
Your estate plan should be a living document that evolves with your life. Don’t wait for a crisis to find out your plan no longer works.
Call 317-593-9853 or schedule online today to schedule a consultation with Vick Law and keep your plan current, effective, and ready to protect your family.
Reference: Kiplinger (Aug. 15, 2025) “An Attorney’s Guide to Your Evolving Estate Plan: Set-It-and-Forget-It Won’t Work”
