Spring is a season of renewal—a time to declutter, refresh, and get everything in order. While most people focus on cleaning their homes, the same approach should be taken with estate planning. Just like an untidy home can lead to stress and confusion, an outdated will or disorganized financial documents can cause unnecessary complications for your loved ones.

Now is the perfect time to review your will, update your estate plan, and ensure your financial affairs are structured properly. Let’s explore how you can “spring clean” your estate to provide peace of mind for the future.

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1. Review and Update Your Will

Your will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever create, but it’s not something you can write once and forget about. Life changes, and so should your estate plan.

Key questions to ask when reviewing your will:

• Have you experienced major life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child?
• Are your beneficiaries up to date?
• Is your executor still the best choice, or would someone else be more suitable?
• Have you acquired new assets that need to be included?
• Do you want to update your charitable donations or leave a legacy gift?

If any of these situations apply, it’s time to update your will to reflect your current wishes.

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2. Organize and Store Important Documents

Many people don’t think about where their legal and financial documents are stored until they actually need them. Make sure your will and other important paperwork are easy to access.

Documents to organize this spring:

• Your will (with a copy given to your executor).
• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other legal records.
• Property deeds, mortgage information, and ownership documents.
• Insurance policies (life, home, health, car).
• Pension and investment details.
• Any trusts or financial agreements in place.

For added security, consider storing digital copies in a password-protected file or using a secure legal document storage service.

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3. Review Your Beneficiaries

Estate planning isn’t just about your will—it also includes beneficiary designations on things like life insurance policies, pensions, and bank accounts.

Why this is important:

• Some assets pass directly to beneficiaries without going through probate.
• If your beneficiaries aren’t updated, outdated instructions may override your will.
• Naming secondary beneficiaries provides a backup plan if your primary beneficiary is unable to inherit.

Take a few minutes this spring to ensure all beneficiary details are correct and reflect your current wishes.

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4. Check Your Power of Attorney and Living Will

A will dictates what happens after you pass away, but what about while you’re still alive? A Power of Attorney (POA) and Living Will ensure that your financial and medical wishes are followed if you become incapacitated.

Review these documents for:

• Your chosen attorney: Are they still the best person to handle your affairs?
• Medical directives: Do they reflect your current healthcare preferences?
• Financial authority: Does your chosen attorney have access to the right accounts and documents?

Updating these documents now can prevent legal complications later.

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5. Reassess Your Financial Plan and Inheritance Tax Strategy

Spring is a great time to sit down and take stock of your financial situation. Estate planning isn’t just about writing a will—it’s also about ensuring your wealth is protected for future generations.

Key areas to review:

• Are there ways to reduce inheritance tax on your estate?
• Should you consider setting up a trust to protect assets?
• Have you updated investment accounts or added new properties?

If your financial situation has changed in the past year, consult a financial advisor or estate planner to make necessary adjustments.

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Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting shelves—it’s about bringing clarity and order to all areas of your life, including your estate plan. By reviewing your will, updating key documents, and ensuring your financial affairs are in order, you can protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for your loved ones.

If you need guidance on updating your will or estate plan, Simply Wills is here to help. Contact us today to make sure your estate is in the best shape possible for 2025 and beyond!