Summer tends to fly by in Washington—between graduations, family trips to the coast, and evenings spent at backyard barbecues, it’s easy to push estate planning to the back burner. But a mid-year checkup on your estate plan can save your family time, money, and stress down the road.
At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we encourage clients to treat estate planning like routine maintenance. Just as you wouldn’t skip an oil change for your car, you shouldn’t let years go by without checking whether your estate plan still fits your life. Here are some of the key updates worth reviewing in 2025.
Review beneficiaries on accounts
Life moves quickly. If you’ve changed jobs, remarried, or welcomed a new child or grandchild, your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, or payable-on-death accounts may no longer reflect your wishes. These designations override what’s written in your will, so they need to be up to date.
Consider the impact of the 2025 tax law
The recent changes in estate tax exemptions and gifting rules affect nearly every plan. Even if you don’t consider yourself wealthy, the shrinking exemption means families with property, retirement accounts, or a small business could feel the impact. Adjusting now gives you more options.
Update powers of attorney and health care directives
Powers of attorney and advance directives are easy to overlook until they’re urgently needed. If the person you appointed years ago has moved away, passed on, or you’ve simply changed your mind, it’s time for an update. Having the wrong person listed can make a stressful situation even harder.
Revisit plans for your home or business
In Washington, family homes and small businesses often carry more than financial value—they hold generations of memories. Think about whether your plan for passing these assets still makes sense. A shift in ownership, a new business partner, or a child stepping into the family business may require adjustments.
Don’t forget digital assets
From online banking to photo libraries and even subscription services, digital inheritance has become a crucial part of modern planning. Make sure your estate plan accounts for who should access your online life and how.
Talk about sentimental assets
Some of the biggest family disputes aren’t about money but about items with emotional value. That wedding ring, set of fishing gear, or grandma’s quilt can cause more tension than stocks or bank accounts. Consider adding a personal property memorandum to specify who should receive meaningful keepsakes.
Schedule regular reviews
An estate plan isn’t a one-time task—it’s a living document. Laws change, families change, and your priorities shift. Checking in at least once a year keeps your plan aligned with your real life.
Why mid-year is a good time
January is busy, and the holidays at the end of the year are even busier. Mid-year offers a sweet spot—enough time has passed to see what’s changed in your life, but you’re not caught up in year-end stress. A short review now can save months of trouble later.
Working with Terry Law Firm, P.S.
At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we help families throughout Washington navigate these mid-year updates in a way that feels approachable and practical. Estate planning isn’t just about tax law or legal documents—it’s about making sure your family is cared for and your wishes are honored.
Taking a little time this summer to revisit your plan could make all the difference when it matters most.
For more information or to schedule a review, visit www.terrylawfirm.com.
- Mid-Year Estate Planning Checklist: Don’t Overlook These Key Updates - January 3, 2026
- 10 Reasons to Reevaluate Your Estate Plan After the 2025 Tax Changes - December 20, 2025
- Including Sentimental Assets in Wills: What You Need to Know - December 6, 2025
