The start of a new year brings the perfect opportunity to tackle those important tasks we’ve been putting off. While gym memberships and diet plans often top resolution lists, getting your estate planning affairs in order might be the most important gift you give your family this year.
If you’ve been thinking, “I really need to get that done,” here are the key areas to focus on as you begin 2026 with clarity and purpose.
Review Your Beneficiary Designations
Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts with payable-on-death designations pass directly to named beneficiaries, bypassing your will entirely. When was the last time you checked these designations? Life changes—marriages, divorces, births, and deaths—can make your ten-year-old beneficiary choices completely outdated.
Take an afternoon to contact your insurance companies, retirement plan administrators, and financial institutions to confirm your current designations still reflect your wishes.
Update or Create Your Healthcare Documents
Your healthcare surrogate designation and living will are among the most critical documents you’ll ever sign. These documents ensure someone you trust can make medical decisions if you’re unable to communicate, and they spare your family from guessing what you would want during a health crisis.
If you created these documents years ago, review them now. The person you named may no longer be the right choice, or your healthcare wishes may have evolved.
Address Your Digital Life
We live increasingly digital lives, yet few people plan for their digital assets. Consider your email accounts, social media profiles, online banking, photo storage, and cryptocurrency holdings. Without proper planning, your family may be locked out of accounts permanently or struggle to close your digital footprint.
Create a secure document listing your accounts, usernames (not passwords, but just enough information for your personal representative to locate accounts), and your wishes for each platform.
Organize Your Important Documents
Even the most comprehensive estate plan fails if your family can’t find the documents when they’re needed. Create a central location—whether a fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or secure digital folder—where you store original documents, including your will or trust, deeds and titles, insurance policies, and account information.
Equally important: tell your trusted family members or personal representative where this information is located and how to access it.
Consider Your Long-Term Care Plan
One of the most overlooked aspects of “getting affairs in order” is planning for potential long-term care needs. Whether through long-term care insurance, Medicaid planning strategies, or simply having conversations with family about your preferences, addressing this possibility now prevents crisis planning later.
Have the Conversation
Perhaps the most important step isn’t paperwork at all, but communication. Schedule time to discuss your wishes with your family, share the location of important documents, explain why you made certain decisions, and listen to their questions and concerns.
These conversations can be difficult, but they’re infinitely easier than leaving your family to guess your intentions during an emotional crisis.
Take the First Step
Getting your affairs in order doesn’t mean completing everything in January. It means taking the first step toward protecting your family and ensuring your wishes are honored. Whether you’re creating your first will, updating decades-old documents, or finally having that conversation with your adult children, progress matters more than perfection.
This year, resolve to give your family the gift of clarity and preparation. Your future self—and your loved ones—will thank you.
Ready to check estate planning off your 2026 resolution list? Contact the Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall at (813) 438-8503 to schedule a consultation and start the new year with peace of mind.