How Often You Should Update Your Florida Estate Plan, and Why Timing Matters

An estate plan is not a one-time document. Life events, legal changes, and shifting financial priorities all mean your plan needs regular attention. In Florida, outdated wills, trusts, or powers of attorney may cause disputes or fail to reflect your true intentions. At Kelley, Grant, & Tanis, P.A., we help clients review and update estate plans so their wishes remain enforceable and effective.

Why Estate Plans Require Updates

Many people assume that once a will or trust is signed, no further action is needed. However, life rarely remains the same. A plan drafted years ago may no longer match your circumstances or comply with Florida law. Updates keep everything current and enforceable.

• Family changes such as marriage, divorce, or children

• Financial changes like new investments or business ownership

• Legal updates to Florida probate or tax statutes

• Shifts in personal goals or charitable interests

• Relocation to or from Florida

Key Life Events That Should Trigger a Review

Certain events make it especially important to revisit your estate plan. Without updates, documents may direct assets in unintended ways or leave gaps in authority. Florida courts enforce written documents, even if they no longer reflect your current life.

• Marriage or remarriage

• Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren

• Divorce or separation from a spouse

• Death of a spouse, child, or beneficiary

• Major health diagnoses or incapacity

How Often Should Florida Residents Review Their Plans?

Even without a major life event, regular reviews are still necessary. As a general guideline, estate plans should be reviewed every few years. Our attorneys recommend a timeline that accounts for both personal and legal changes.

• Every 3–5 years as a routine check

• After any significant financial transaction

• Following updates in Florida estate or tax law

• Whenever moving between states or changing residency

• Before or after major retirement decisions

Risks of Letting an Estate Plan Become Outdated

Failing to update your estate plan can create costly problems. Family members may be left out, documents may conflict with current laws, or property may transfer in unintended ways. Outdated documents can lead to probate disputes and court intervention.

• Old beneficiaries may remain on accounts or insurance policies

• Executors or trustees may no longer be appropriate choices

• Assets acquired later may not be included in distributions

• Florida legal updates may invalidate older provisions

• Family disputes may arise from unclear or outdated terms

Benefits of Timely Updates

Regular updates give you peace of mind and ensure smooth transitions. By reviewing your plan, you confirm that beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and property designations match your current goals. Our attorneys ensure your plan meets Florida’s legal requirements.

• Reflects your current financial and family situation

• Ensures compliance with Florida law

• Prevents family disputes by clarifying intentions

• Provides updated authority to trusted individuals

• Reduces the risk of court challenges

How Florida Law Affects Updates

Florida statutes sometimes change in ways that impact estate planning. Tax laws, probate procedures, and rules for powers of attorney all evolve over time. Staying current helps protect your property and family.

• Updates may affect spousal rights and elective share rules

• Tax law changes may influence trusts or distributions

• Probate rules may alter document enforcement

• Failure to update may lead to unenforceable provisions

Working with a Florida Estate Planning Attorney

Professional guidance ensures estate plan updates are legally valid. At Kelley, Grant, & Tanis, P.A., we review your existing documents, identify gaps, and recommend changes. Regular attorney reviews provide clarity and avoid common mistakes.

• Comprehensive review of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney

• Updates that comply with Florida law

• Advice tailored to family, business, and financial goals

• Ongoing support for future adjustments

FAQs: Updating Your Florida Estate Plan

How often should I review my estate plan in Florida?

Most people should review their estate plan every 3–5 years. Even if nothing has changed, this ensures compliance with Florida law and that documents remain enforceable. Life events or financial changes may require more frequent updates.

What life events require an update?

Marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or death of a beneficiary all require updates. Major financial changes, such as selling property or acquiring new assets, are also key triggers. These updates ensure your plan reflects your current situation.

What happens if I never update my estate plan?

An outdated estate plan may distribute assets to the wrong people or fail to include newer property. Family disputes can arise if documents no longer reflect your wishes. Courts must follow the written terms, even if they are years out of date.

Do Florida law changes affect my estate plan?

Yes, changes in probate or tax laws can impact your documents. For example, spousal rights or trust provisions may need to be adjusted to comply with updated statutes. Without review, your plan may become unenforceable.

Can I update an estate plan myself?

You can make changes, but legal guidance ensures updates are valid. Mistakes in execution or wording can create challenges during probate. An attorney helps you avoid errors and ensures your wishes are carried out.

Should I review my estate plan if I move to Florida?

Yes, relocating to Florida is a major reason to review your estate plan. Each state has different laws, and documents valid elsewhere may not comply with Florida requirements. Updating ensures your plan remains enforceable here.

How do attorneys help with updates?

Attorneys identify gaps, ensure compliance, and prepare updated documents that reflect your current wishes. They also coordinate with financial accounts and beneficiary designations. Professional help gives you confidence in the plan’s effectiveness.