Annual Estate Planning Checklist for Georgia Families
Jake Slowik

Keep Your Estate Plan Current With Help from Slowik Estate Planning

An estate plan isn’t something you create once and forget—it’s a living set of documents that should evolve with your life. Whether you've recently created a will or established a trust years ago, reviewing your estate plan annually ensures your wishes still align with your family, finances, and future goals.

At Slowik Estate Planning, we help Georgia families stay prepared through every stage of life. Use this annual checklist to keep your estate plan accurate, effective, and legally sound.

Why Review Your Estate Plan Each Year?

A lot can change in a year—births, deaths, marriages, divorces, moves, new assets, and changing laws can all affect your estate plan. Failing to update your documents could lead to unintended consequences, family disputes, or even a costly probate process.

With an annual review, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your plan still reflects your values and protects your loved ones.

Your Annual Estate Planning Checklist

✅ 1. Review Your Will or Trust

  • Do the beneficiaries still match your wishes?

  • Are the named guardians still appropriate for your children?

  • Have you acquired or sold any major assets that need to be addressed?

  • Do your personal representatives or trustees remain the right fit?

✅ 2. Update Financial and Healthcare Powers of Attorney

  • Are your designated agents still willing and able to serve?

  • Are their contact details current?

  • Do your healthcare wishes need adjusting based on new conditions or treatments?

✅ 3. Check Beneficiary Designations

  • Review accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and life insurance.

  • Ensure designations match your estate plan (and avoid unintended recipients).

  • Remember: these designations override your will.

✅ 4. Evaluate Your Assets

  • Have you purchased property, opened new accounts, or made significant investments?

  • Are all assets titled properly (especially if you have a trust)?

  • Do you need to protect new business interests or digital assets?

✅ 5. Consider Life Changes in the Family

  • Births, deaths, marriages, or divorces may require updates.

  • Is anyone in your family now facing special needs, legal issues, or creditor problems?

  • Have you had a falling out or reconciliation that impacts your decisions?

✅ 6. Stay Informed About Georgia Law

  • Georgia estate laws can change. A quick review with your attorney can ensure compliance.

  • Check for updates on probate thresholds, tax exemptions, or trustee duties.

Bonus Tip: Organize Your Documents

Make sure your estate planning documents are:

  • Accessible to trusted individuals

  • Clearly labeled and stored securely (digitally and physically)

  • Updated with emergency contact lists and important account details

How Slowik Estate Planning Can Help

If it’s been more than a year since your last estate planning review—or if you've never had one—now is the time to act. At Slowik Estate Planning, we specialize in helping Georgia families keep their plans current, complete, and customized.

We offer convenient annual reviews, including:

  • Document updates

  • Legal compliance checks

  • Family planning strategy adjustments

  • Asset and title audits