As the year comes to a close, many Illinois families find themselves reflecting on everything that changed over the past twelve months. A new job, a new home, a new family member or even the loss of a loved one can all quietly affect your estate plan.

If 2025 brought any major life changes for you or your family, now is the perfect time to ask an important question:

Does my estate plan still reflect my life today?

Why Year-End Is the Right Time to Review Your Estate Plan

Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” task. Illinois laws, family dynamics, and financial situations change, and your legal documents should keep up.

Year-end is a natural moment to review your will, trust, and powers of attorney while the events of the year are still fresh. Catching issues now can prevent confusion, family conflict, and unnecessary probate problems later.

Below are some of the most common life changes we see that signal it may be time for an estate plan update.

Marriage, Divorce, or Remarriage

A change in marital status is one of the biggest reasons estate plans need to be reviewed.

• Marriage may require updating beneficiary designations, naming a spouse, or creating a new plan altogether.
• Divorce does not automatically fix everything. Some documents and beneficiary designations may still list a former spouse.
• Remarriage often raises concerns about blended families, stepchildren, and protecting both a current spouse and children from a prior relationship.

Illinois law does not always resolve these issues the way people expect, proper planning matters.

New Children or Grandchildren

Welcoming a child or grandchild is a joyful milestone, but it also brings legal responsibilities.

If your family grew in 2025, it may be time to:

• Name or update guardians for minor children
• Adjust how assets are divided
• Consider trusts to manage inheritances responsibly

Without clear instructions, Illinois courts, not parents, may end up making key decisions.

Buying or Selling a Home or Other Major Assets

A move, a second property, or a significant financial change can affect how your estate should be structured.

Your estate plan should reflect:

• What property you own
• How it is titled
• Whether it should go through probate or be protected

Failing to update documents after a major purchase or sale can create delays and legal headaches for your loved ones.

Health Changes or Aging Concerns

If you or a loved one experienced health challenges in 2025, it may be time to review your powers of attorney and healthcare directives.

These documents ensure that:

• Someone you trust can make decisions if you cannot
• Medical wishes are respected
• Family members are not left guessing during emergencies

Waiting until a crisis occurs can severely limit your options.

Loss of a Loved One or Change in Family Relationships

The death of a family member, a falling-out, or a new caregiving role can all affect who you want involved in your planning.

Estate plans should reflect:

• Current relationships
• Trusted decision-makers
• Realistic family dynamics

Ignoring these changes can lead to disputes, delays, and unnecessary court involvement.

A Simple Review Now Can Prevent Big Problems Later

You don’t need to start over every year, but you do need to make sure your plan still fits your life.

A short review now can:

• Catch outdated documents
• Prevent probate issues
• Provide peace of mind going into the new year

Start 2026 With Confidence

If 2025 brought changes to your family, finances, or health, now is the right time to review your Illinois estate plan.

If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.

📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”