As the year winds down and life gets busier with holidays, travel, and last-minute to-do lists, it is easy to push estate planning to the back burner. Yet this is exactly when a quick review can make the biggest difference for your family. A few simple checks before December 31 can help you protect what you have built, avoid surprises, and enter the new year feeling organized and confident.
Review or Update Your Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament should reflect your current wishes. Life changes throughout the year. Marriage, divorce, a new child, a move, or a change in assets may require updates.
Louisiana’s succession laws differ from those of other states, especially regarding community property, forced heirship, and the formal requirements for a valid will. If your existing will does not meet Louisiana’s requirements or was drafted in another state, the end of the year is the right time to have it reviewed.
Confirm or Update Your Beneficiary Designations
Many Louisiana residents assume their will controls everything they pass down. In reality, accounts with beneficiary designations transfer outside of the will. These include life insurance, retirement accounts, annuities, and certain bank accounts. Review each account to make sure the listed beneficiaries are current. Outdated designations are one of the most common estate planning mistakes and can unintentionally leave the wrong person in control of important assets.
Evaluate Your Power of Attorney Documents
Financial and medical powers of attorney are essential for incapacity planning. If something happens and you cannot manage your affairs, these documents allow a trusted person to step in.
Louisiana requires specific language for a power of attorney to be effective. If your documents are more than a few years old or if your named agent is no longer the best choice, updating them before December 31 can help ensure you have the protection you expect.
Review Your Living Will and Healthcare Decisions
Louisiana’s living will declaration outlines your wishes regarding life-sustaining procedures. If your preferences have changed or if you have never completed one, now is a good time to do so. This ensures your family and medical providers know exactly what you want during a medical emergency, reducing stress and confusion.
Evaluate Trusts or Consider Creating One
Trusts can help families avoid probate, protect assets, plan for a loved one with special needs, or manage property for minor children. If you already have a trust, confirm that it is properly funded and that its terms still align with your goals.
If you do not have one but want more control over how your assets are handled, discuss whether a revocable living trust or a specialized trust would benefit your family before the new year.
Organize and Safeguard Your Important Documents
Your estate plan is only helpful if your loved ones know where to find it. Make sure your will, powers of attorney, trust documents, insurance policies, and asset lists are stored safely.
Tell at least one trusted person how to access them. The end of the year is a good time to consolidate paperwork and confirm everything is up to date.
Talk With Your Loved Ones and Your Attorney
Clear communication reduces conflict and confusion later. Consider discussing your general wishes with your family and scheduling a year-end meeting with your estate planning attorney. A brief conversation can help ensure that your plan complies with Louisiana law and fully protects your family.
Losavio and DeJean, LLC assists Louisiana families with end-of-year planning and long-term estate strategies. If you need help reviewing or updating your plan before December 31, our team is here to guide you.