Mon29

Give the Gift of Peace of Mind: Why a Last Minute Estate Plan Is the Best Holiday Present.

Posted by on Dec 29, 2025 in Legal News |

The holidays are filled with gift lists, family gatherings, and traditions we look forward to all year. We spend time choosing presents that will make people smile, but the most meaningful gifts are not always wrapped in paper. As the year comes to a close, many families are also reflecting on what truly matters. Security, clarity, and peace of mind often rise to the top of that list.

Creating or updating an estate plan, even at the last minute, may be the most valuable gift you can give your loved ones this holiday season.

Why the Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Plan

The end of the year naturally encourages reflection. Families come together, conversations get deeper, and life changes become more apparent. A new marriage, a divorce, a new child, or the loss of a loved one can quickly change how assets should be protected and distributed. Waiting until the new year or later can leave important gaps that create stress or confusion if the unexpected happens.

A last minute estate plan is not rushed planning. It is intentional action during a moment when priorities are clear.

Peace of Mind for You and Your Family

An estate plan does more than outline who receives assets. It provides guidance during difficult moments. A properly drafted plan can name guardians for children, protect assets from unnecessary probate delays, and reduce the risk of family disputes. For loved ones, this clarity is a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday season.

Knowing that everything is in place allows families to focus on each other rather than legal and financial uncertainty.

Asset Protection Is Part of the Gift

Many people think estate planning only applies after death, but it is also about protection during life. Trusts and other planning tools can shield assets from creditors, lawsuits, and long term care costs. Updating or creating an estate plan before the year ends can strengthen that protection and align it with current laws and personal circumstances.

Giving your family security and stability is a powerful way to show care and responsibility.

It Is Never Too Late to Start

One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that it requires months of preparation. While complex situations can take time, many foundational plans can be put in place quickly with the right guidance. A last minute estate plan is far better than no plan at all. Even basic documents can make a significant difference in how smoothly things are handled later.

Taking action now can prevent regret and provide immediate relief.

Make This Holiday Season Meaningful

This holiday season, consider giving a gift that cannot be lost, broken, or returned. Peace of mind is something your loved ones will appreciate long after the decorations come down.

At WFP Law, we help individuals and families create estate plans that protect assets, reduce stress, and reflect what matters most. If you are considering an estate plan before the year ends, our team is ready to help. Visit https://wfplaw.com/contact-us/ to schedule a consultation and give your family a gift that truly lasts.

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Thu18

Your Family Changed in 2025. Did Your Estate Plan?

Posted by on Dec 18, 2025 in Legal News |

Life rarely stays the same for long. In 2025 alone, many families welcomed new children or grandchildren, navigated marriages or divorces, lost loved ones, started businesses, or moved into new phases of retirement. These changes shape your daily life, your finances, and your priorities. Yet one thing often gets overlooked when life evolves: your estate plan.

An estate plan that once made perfect sense can quickly become outdated when family dynamics shift. If your plan has not been reviewed recently, it may no longer reflect the people, responsibilities, and goals that matter most today.

Why Family Changes Should Trigger an Estate Plan Review

Your estate plan is designed to protect your loved ones and your assets, but it can only do that if it matches your current reality. A new child or grandchild may need to be added as a beneficiary. A divorce may require removing an ex-spouse from key roles. A marriage might mean new shared assets or blended family considerations.

When these changes are not reflected in your documents, the results can be confusing or even harmful. Courts may be forced to make decisions you never intended, and family members may be left dealing with uncertainty during an already emotional time.

Guardianship and Care Decisions Matter More Than Ever

If your family grew in 2025, especially with minor children, guardianship decisions should be at the top of your estate planning priorities. Without clear instructions, a judge could decide who raises your children if something happens to you. An updated estate plan allows you to name trusted individuals and provide guidance for how you want your children cared for.

Even for adult children, changes in health, finances, or relationships can affect who should be responsible for decision-making if you become incapacitated.

Asset Protection in a Changing Family

Family changes often bring financial changes with them. New businesses, inherited property, shared investments, or real estate purchases can all impact how your assets should be protected and distributed. Trusts, updated beneficiary designations, and properly structured ownership can help shield assets from creditors, lawsuits, or unintended transfers.

Failing to adjust your estate plan may leave assets exposed or result in distributions that no longer align with your wishes.

Beneficiaries and Decision Makers Need Regular Updates

Estate plans name more than just who receives assets. They also name executors, trustees, and agents under powers of attorney. If relationships have changed or if the people you named are no longer the best fit, your plan should reflect that. Keeping outdated names in place can create delays, disputes, or administrative problems down the road.

A Simple Review Can Prevent Big Problems

An estate plan does not need to be rebuilt from scratch every year, but it should be reviewed after major life events. A short check-in with an estate planning attorney can ensure your documents still work together and still serve your goals. Proactive updates are far easier and far less expensive than fixing problems after a crisis occurs.

Now Is the Time to Make Sure Your Plan Still Fits

If your family changed in 2025, your estate plan should change with it. At WFP Law, we help individuals and families review, update, and strengthen their estate plans so they stay aligned with real life, not outdated assumptions.

Visit wfplaw.com/contact-us to schedule a consultation and make sure your estate plan keeps up with your family and your future.

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