Jennifer Norton has always loved being active in the Indiana community. Whether speaking at events or volunteering, she’s passionate about helping people protect their families. But one story that stands out came from a community member named Linda, who had created an estate plan years ago but hadn’t thought much about it since.
Linda approached Jennifer after a local talk. “I have a will,” Linda said, “but I haven’t looked at it in over a decade. Do I really need to update it?”
Jennifer smiled knowingly. “I get this question a lot,” she replied. “Life changes, and so should your estate plan.”
During their consultation, Jennifer helped Linda uncover several key reasons why updating her estate plan was crucial:
- Changes in Family: Since Linda had created her will, her family had grown—she now had grandchildren. Her old will didn’t account for them, which meant her new grandchildren wouldn’t inherit anything unless she updated her plan.
- Changes in Finances: Linda’s financial situation had also improved over the years. She had started a successful small business, which wasn’t included in her original estate plan. Without updating her documents, the business might have been subject to unnecessary taxes or legal complications.
- Changes in the Law: Estate planning laws change over time. Jennifer explained how tax laws affecting estates had shifted in recent years and how failing to adjust her plan could have serious financial consequences for Linda’s heirs.
After their meeting, Linda left with a new appreciation for keeping her estate plan up to date. “It feels good to know that everything is current,” she said, “and that my family will be taken care of.”
Jennifer’s message to the community is clear: estate planning isn’t a one-and-done process. If your life has changed—whether through family, finances, or the law—your estate plan should reflect those changes.
This October, during National Estate Planning Awareness Month, take the time to review your plan. Request a free consultation today here or attend one of Jennifer’s local events to learn more.
