7 Reasons to Revisit Your Estate Plan This National Estate Planning Month

Oct 09 2025 15:00 | Robert Cummings

October is National Estate Planning Month, a timely reminder for individuals and families across North Carolina to review and refresh their estate plans. Many people created their estate plans years ago, believing they would be permanent solutions. But as life changes, so should your estate documents.

Whether you live in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, or anywhere else in the Tar Heel State, here are seven key reasons why it may be time to revisit your estate plan.

1. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Life Events

Big life milestones—like marriage, divorce, having a child, adopting a child, or losing a loved one—can drastically change the structure of your family and your financial needs. These events are strong indicators that your estate plan needs to be updated to reflect your new circumstances.

At Hopper Cummings PLLC, we help ensure that your estate planning documents—like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney—reflect your current family structure and goals.

2. 💼 Financial Changes

Have you started a new job, launched a business, or bought property in North Carolina? Significant financial shifts can affect how your assets should be distributed, how your estate is taxed, and what protection you need.

Estate plans should evolve with your financial life. We help clients adjust their strategies to minimize taxes, preserve wealth, and plan for future growth.

3. 🗺 Relocation to North Carolina

If you’ve moved to North Carolina from another state, your existing estate plan might not be valid or optimal under North Carolina law.
Key documents like healthcare directives, durable powers of attorney, and wills can be governed differently depending on the state.

Our attorneys can review your current plan for compliance and make adjustments to ensure everything works seamlessly under North Carolina statutes.

4. 👥 Changing Beneficiaries

As relationships evolve, it’s essential to reassess your beneficiary designations. Whether it’s a change in your relationship with family members, friends, or charitable organizations, your estate plan should reflect your most up-to-date wishes.

Failure to update beneficiaries can lead to unwanted or contested distributions.

5. ❤️ Health Issues

Changes in your health—or the health of a spouse, child, or parent—can create new planning needs. It may be time to revise:

  • Healthcare powers of attorney

  • Living wills

  • Guardianship designations

These documents ensure your medical decisions and financial matters are handled according to your preferences if you're unable to speak for yourself.

6. 💰 Tax Law Changes

Federal and North Carolina estate and gift tax laws can change frequently. If your estate plan hasn’t been reviewed in recent years, it may not reflect the most current tax-saving opportunities.

We stay up to date on the latest developments in estate, inheritance, and income tax laws so your plan remains efficient and effective.

7. 🔄 Routine Reviews Every 3–5 Years

Even if nothing major has changed in your life, a good rule of thumb is to review your estate plan every three to five years. Small updates—like address changes, updated executor information, or digital asset planning—can keep your documents aligned with your wishes.

A simple review today can prevent confusion, disputes, or probate complications tomorrow.

✨ Take Action This October

Updating your estate plan doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. In fact, it can provide enormous peace of mind for you and your loved ones. At Hopper Cummings PLLC, we make the process clear, personalized, and accessible.

📞 Schedule a consultation with our North Carolina estate planning attorneys today and take the next step toward protecting your legacy.