How Often Should You Update Your Estate Plan?

 Posted on February 08, 2026 in Estate Planning and Administration

Never assume that once an estate plan is completed, it never needs to be revisited. In reality, regular updates are essential to keep your wishes accurate and legally effective. Only about 32 percent of U.S. adults have created a will, highlighting how many families may already be unprepared for the future.

If you already have a plan in place in 2026, reviewing it regularly is just as important as creating it. Our Tarrant County, TX estate planning lawyers can help ensure your documents continue to reflect your goals as your life changes.

How Often Should You Review Your Texas Estate Plan?

Most attorneys recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years. Even if nothing seems different, laws can change, and financial circumstances can shift.

However, some situations call for immediate updates rather than waiting for a scheduled review. Estate planning documents should reflect your current life, not your past.

You should strongly consider updating your estate plan when:

• You get married or divorced.

• You have a child or have adopted one.

• A beneficiary or executor passes away.

• Your financial situation has changed significantly.

• You move to a new state.

What Does Texas Law Say About Estate Planning Documents?

Texas law outlines the requirements for a valid will under Texas Estates Code § 251.051. In most cases, a will must be in writing, signed by the person creating it, and witnessed by at least two credible witnesses.

If you die without a valid will, your estate will likely pass through intestate succession under Texas Estates Code § 201.001. Intestate succession is the legal process that determines who inherits when no will exists. The court follows a set formula for this process, and it may not be what you actually want for your family.

Powers of attorney are also governed by state law. Under Texas Estates Code § 751.0021, a durable power of attorney allows someone to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. Without this document, loved ones may need court approval to act on your behalf.

Why Is Updating Your Estate Plan So Important?

Outdated documents can create serious problems. For example, an old will might name someone you no longer want involved in your financial affairs. It could also fail to include new family members.

Regular updates help you:

• Ensure assets go to the right people

• Reduce the chance of family disputes

• Account for new property or investments

• Reflect current tax considerations

• Protect minor children

Even small changes can have major consequences if they are not addressed.

What Happens if You Never Update Your Estate Plan in Texas?

Failing to update your plan can lead to delays, added costs, and unnecessary stress for your family. Courts may need to interpret outdated instructions, which can lengthen the probate process. Probate is the legal procedure used to validate a will and distribute assets.

Outdated beneficiary designations can also override your will in some cases. This is why reviewing retirement accounts, insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts is just as important as updating the will itself.

When documents are current, your loved ones typically face fewer legal obstacles during an already emotional time.

When Should You Contact a Tarrant County Estate Planning Lawyer?

It is wise to speak with an estate planning lawyer whenever you experience a major life change or realize your documents have not been reviewed in several years.

An attorney can evaluate whether your plan still reflects your goals, explain new legal developments, and recommend adjustments when necessary. Estate planning is not a one-time task. It is an ongoing process that should evolve with your life.

Working with professionals familiar with Tarrant County courts can also help ensure your documents meet local requirements and are properly executed.

Contact Our Hood County, TX Estate Planning Attorneys Today

If it has been years since you reviewed your estate plan, now may be the right time to take another look. At Cain & Kiel Law, our Tarrant County, TX estate planning lawyers help clients create and maintain plans that reflect their current wishes and protect what matters most to them. Call 817-645-1717 today to speak with an estate planning attorney and schedule a consultation.