Wills, Probate

Trusts, Estate Planning

210 South Beach Street, Suite 202
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 257-3332

Personal Representative

Heidi handled estate planning for us, including setting up a family trust, wills, power of attorney, living will, health care directive. She provided excellent, knowledgeable guidance throughout the process and we worked through these matters effectively and efficiently, and the work was completed for a reasonable fee. We were very pleased with the services provided. ~Dave K

~ Dave K

I would highly recommend Heidi and her team to everyone!! Needing to update my estate plan documents after a divorce, I consulted with Heidi who evaluated my situation and came up with documents that were tailored to my needs and explained it all in layman's terms for me. Her recommendations were exactly what I needed and I now feel confident I have well laid out plans for myself and my family. After realizing how lacking my prior documents were, I had her review my mother's documents, which we all thought were up-to-date. Thank goodness I took that step as well because my mothers documents were not even close to what was needed. Heidi's knowledge and compassion for her clients is exceptional, I give her the highest commendation!

~ Beth M

review your estate plan

The Start of a New Year: The Perfect Time to Review Your Estate Plan

As we bid farewell to the holiday season and step into a new year, it’s not just resolutions that should be on our minds. For many, this period of renewal is the ideal time to review something equally important – your estate plan. Heidi often gets asked about the significance of this annual review, and her advice is clear: post-holidays, when life resumes its regular rhythm, is an opportune moment to ensure your estate planning documents are up-to-date, accurate, and in order.

Why Annual Reviews Are Crucial

An estate plan is not a ‘set it and forget it’ affair. It’s a living document that should evolve as your life does. Here’s why an annual review is essential:

  1. Life Changes:

    A lot can happen in a year – marriages, births, divorces, deaths, or significant changes in financial circumstances. These life events can dramatically affect your estate planning needs.

  2. Law Changes:

    Estate planning laws, both federal and state, can change. Keeping your plan aligned with the current legal landscape ensures its effectiveness.

  3. Peace of Mind:

    Regular reviews reassure you and your family that in the event of an unexpected tragedy, your affairs are in order, and your wishes will be honored.

Gathering Your Documents

The first step in this annual review is to gather all your estate planning documents in one place. This typically includes your will, any trust documents, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations on accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, or life insurance policies.

What to Look For

As you review these documents, ask yourself:

  • Do these reflect my current wishes?
  • Are all beneficiary designations still appropriate?
  • Have there been any major financial changes that affect my estate?
  • Are the named executors, trustees, or guardians still capable and willing to serve?

Taking Action

If, during your review, you spot areas that need updating or have questions about new developments in your life, it’s crucial to make an appointment with your estate planning attorney. An experienced lawyer like Heidi can provide invaluable guidance, helping to amend and adjust your plan to fit your current situation.

In essence, the start of a new year is a reminder to review your estate plan giving it the attention it deserves. It’s a time to ensure that your legacy and your loved ones are protected according to your most recent wishes and circumstances. Remember, an outdated estate plan can be just as problematic as having no plan at all. So, make this annual review a habit – your future self, and your family, will thank you for it.

Heidi S. Webb, Attorney at Law, serves clients in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, and beyond with matters of Estate Planning and Probate. Contact her today to schedule a free consultation. Visit her page on Facebook, or see what her clients are saying to learn more about Heidi.

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