You finally did it. You signed the papers, got the binder, and checked Estate Planning off your list. But now what?
If that beautifully prepared binder is collecting dust on a shelf, tucked in a drawer, or forgotten in a box, you’re not alone. So many families work hard to create a plan, only to assume the job is done.
Here’s the truth: most estate plans fail.
Not because you did anything wrong. Not because of a legal misstep. They fail because no one told you what to do after you sign.
At Bellomo & Associates, we believe your plan should live and breathe alongside your life. The work doesn’t end with the signature; it begins there. Here are the three key things you must do to make sure your estate plan works when your family needs it most.
- Update Your Plan Regularly
Think of your estate plan like a car. You wouldn’t buy one and drive it for ten years without an oil change, right? The same idea applies here. Your plan needs regular check-ups to keep it running smoothly.
Life changes. And when it does, your plan should reflect that. You should review your plan if:
- You got married or divorced
- You had a child or grandchild
- You moved to a new state
- You bought or sold a home or business
Even if your circumstances haven’t changed, the laws might have. Or maybe the people you once trusted to step in for you have changed.
We recommend reviewing your plan every 2 to 3 years, or sooner after any major life event. That’s why our clients love our maintenance program; it’s our way of walking alongside you through life’s changes.
- Fund Your Trust
This is where most estate plans quietly break down. You created a trust… but did you put anything into it?
If your trust isn’t funded, meaning your assets aren’t properly titled, it’s just paper. Your family may still end up in probate court, facing delays, confusion, and extra costs.
Here’s a quick checklist to consider:
- Is your home deeded to your trust?
- Are your bank and investment accounts titled correctly?
- Do your retirement accounts and life insurance policies match your plan?
Not sure? We’re happy to help. We do this every day, and we love making it easy for our families.
- Educate Your Helpers
Naming someone as a trustee, power of attorney, or executor is important. But if they don’t know they’ve been chosen or don’t know what to do, it can lead to chaos at the worst time.
Your helpers need to know:
- That they’ve been named.
- What their role involves.
- Where are your documents?
- How to reach your attorney.
We love it when clients bring their “helpers” to workshops or invite them to a quick meeting. One short conversation now can save your family from heartache later.
Bonus: Give Yourself a Quick Check-Up
Ask yourself these questions:
- Have I reviewed my plan in the past 2 years?
- Is my home titled in the name of my trust?
- Are my financial accounts correctly assigned?
- Do my agents or trustees know they’ve been named?
- Do they know how to reach my law firm?
If you answered “no” to even one, your plan might not work as you intended. But don’t worry, you don’t have to start from scratch.
How We Help Keep Your Plan Alive
At Bellomo & Associates, we don’t believe in “one-and-done” planning. That’s why we created our Maintenance Program, the Red Wagon Club. It’s a simple, affordable way to keep your plan current and your family protected.
As a member, you’ll receive:
- Annual plan reviews
- Updates for legal changes
- Ongoing support to fund your trust
- Educational tools for your helpers
- 24/7 access to your documents through our secure client portal
Because your life isn’t standing still, and neither should your plan.
Bottom Line
You’ve already done the hard part. You got the plan in place. Now let’s make sure it works the way you intended.
Pull that binder off the shelf. Let’s dust it off together and make sure your legacy is protected for the people you love.
Register for a Workshop to review your plan or learn how we help families like yours every day. We’d love to see you.
