Estate and Succession Planning
Dean Mead’s Estate and Succession Planning Department is one of the largest and most respected groups of estate planning attorneys in Florida. We are frequently…
Published: December 3, 2025
Whether you’ve experienced a major milestone in the past year, or it’s been a few years since you last reviewed your documents, it’s important to ensure your plan still reflects your wishes.
Following are some of the top things to consider when updating your estate plan.
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Family Changes – Big life events – like marriage, divorce, welcoming a new child or grandchild, or losing a loved one – can have a direct impact on your estate plan. These moments often mean updating beneficiaries, guardians, or inheritance plans.
Beneficiary Designations – Retirement accounts, insurance policies, and even some bank accounts pass directly to the people you’ve named as beneficiaries. It’s easy to forget about these forms, but they can override your will or trust – so keeping them current is essential.
Tax & Law Updates – Tax and estate laws evolve, sometimes in ways that can significantly after your plan. Reviewing your documents with an attorney ensures you’re taking advantage of current rules and strategies.
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One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
Signed into law in 2025, the OBBBA makes permanent provisions that were set to expire at the end of this year. Among them include higher federal exemptions (increase to $15M per person or, with proper planning, $30M per couple). With higher exemptions, tools like trusts and lifetime gifting strategies become more flexible, especially for business succession and wealth transfer.
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Trusts & Wills – Your will or trust should reflect your goals today, not years ago. Maybe you’ve acquired new property, sold a business, or shifted your financial priorities. A quick review can make sure these documents still match your intensions.
Decision Makers You’ve Named – Think about the people listed in your power of attorney or healthcare directive. Are they still the right choices to make important financial or medical decisions if you cannot? If relationships or circumstances have changed, this may be the time to make updates.
Asset Changes – Significant changes in assets – buying or selling property, starting or closing a business, or receiving an inheritances – can all affect how your estate should be structured.
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Updating your plan doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Small adjustments can make a big difference in protecting your family, reducing stress, and ensuring everything is handled the way you intend.
