8 Reasons Why Your Estate Plan May Now Be Worthless

Most people hate reviewing their estate plans, and I can’t say I blame them.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Most people hate reviewing their estate plans, and I can’t say I blame them. From tax law and complex documents, to trusts and health care directives, the intricacies can be daunting. Plus, talking about life after death isn’t anyone’s favorite activity.

Unfortunately, these common stressors often prevent people from revisiting their plan once it’s been drafted, creating the potential for substantial gaps that could dramatically affect how assets are distributed down the line.

To help you identify these gaps, and to help ensure that your wishes are carried out faithfully after you have passed on, here are eight red flags that can indicate a problem with your estate plan.

Plus, take our quick, 10-question quiz to test your estate-planning smarts.

Written by Casey Robinson, a wealth counselor at Waldron Private Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm outside Pittsburgh, Pa. Robinson has extensive experience assisting multi-generational families with estate planning, integrating trusts, tax planning and risk management.

Disclaimer

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

Casey Robinson, CFP
Managing Director - Wealth Planning, Waldron Private Wealth

Casey Robinson is the Managing Director of Wealth Planning at Waldron Private Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm located just outside Pittsburgh. He focuses on simplifying the complexities of wealth for a select group of individuals, families and family offices. Robinson has extensive experience assisting multi-generational families with estate planning strategies, integrating trusts, tax planning and risk management.