15 Essential Reasons to Update Your Will in Connecticut 

Creating a will is just the beginning of protecting your family’s future. Life is constantly evolving, and your estate plan should evolve with it. Many Connecticut residents assume that once they’ve signed their will, they’re set for life—but that’srarely the case. 

When did you last review your will?

If it’s been more than a few years, or if you’ve experienced any major life changes, it’s time for an update. We’ve helped families throughout eastern and central Connecticut navigate these important decisions for over 40 years, and we’ve seen firsthand how an outdated will can create unnecessary complications for the people you love most. 

Here are 15 key situations that signal it’s time to refresh your estate planning documents. 

1. You Don’t Have a Will Yet

Nearly 60% of Americans don’t have a will. If you’re among them, creating one should be your top priority. Without a will, Connecticut’s intestacy laws—not your wishes—will determine how your assets are distributed and who cares for your minor children. 

With a properly drafted will, you can: 

• Choose who inherits your property and assets 

• Name guardians for your minor children 

• Designate an executor you trust 

• Establish testamentary trusts for beneficiaries 

• Provide specific instructions for your funeral arrangements 

The peace of mind that comes from having these decisions documented is invaluable. 

2. It’s Been 3-5 Years Since Your Last Review

Your will isn’t a “set it and forget it” document. We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years, even if nothing major has changed in your life. 

During this timeframe, several factors can shift: 

• Connecticut estate and tax laws 

• Your financial situation 

• Family relationships and dynamics 

• Your health and priorities 

Regular reviews ensure your will remains effective and reflects your current wishes. 

3. Connecticut Laws Have Changed

Estate planning laws evolve regularly. Recent changes that might affect your will include: 

• Updates to Connecticut’s estate tax exemptions 

• Modifications to power of attorney requirements 

• Changes in probate procedures 

• New regulations affecting retirement account distributions 

Our team stays current with all Connecticut estate planning law changes, ensuring your documents remain compliant and effective. 

4. Your Estate Value Has Significantly Changed

Whether your assets have grown substantially or decreased due to market conditions, significant changes in your estate’s value warrant a will update. You may need to: 

• Redistribute assets among beneficiaries 

• Adjust charitable giving plans 

• Modify tax planning strategies 

• Update insurance beneficiaries 

Even a 20% change in estate value can impact your distribution plans. 

5. You Haven’t Discussed Assets with Your Attorney Recently

Regular communication with your estate planning attorney helps optimize your legacy planning and minimize potential tax implications. We recommend annual check-ins to discuss: 

• New assets or investments 

• Changes in tax laws 

• Updated beneficiary designations 

• Trust funding strategies 

Proactive planning often reveals opportunities you might otherwise miss. 

6. You’ve Acquired Significant New Assets

Major asset acquisitions—whether it’s Connecticut real estate, a business interest, or valuable personal property—should trigger a will review. Consider these scenarios: 

• Real estate purchases: Vacation homes, rental properties, or investment land 

• Business interests: Partnerships, LLC memberships, or sole proprietorships 

• Valuable collections: Art, antiques, or collectibles 

• Intellectual property: Patents, copyrights, or royalties 

Each new asset requires specific planning to ensure it’s properly transferred to your intended beneficiaries. 

7. Marriage or Long-Term Partnership

Connecticut recognizes both traditional marriage and domestic partnerships for estate planning purposes. After marriage, you’ll want to: 

• Update beneficiary designations 

• Consider joint ownership structures 

• Review existing trusts 

• Coordinate with your spouse’s estate plan 

For unmarried partners, a will becomes even more critical since Connecticut intestacy laws don’t recognize unmarried relationships, regardless of duration or commitment. 

8. Divorce or Separation

Act quickly after divorce proceedings begin. Connecticut law automatically revokes certain provisions naming a former spouse, but not all. You should immediately: 

• Remove your ex-spouse as executor 

• Update beneficiary designations 

• Revise power of attorney documents 

• Modify healthcare directives 

Don’t leave your estate plan in limbo during this transition. 

9. New Family Members (Children, Grandchildren, Stepchildren)

Growing families need growing estate plans. New additions might include: 

• Biological children or adopted children 

• Grandchildren 

• Stepchildren from new relationships 

• Other family members you want to include 

Each new family member requires thoughtful consideration of: 

• Asset distribution 

• Guardian nominations 

• Trust structures 

• Educational funding 

 

10. Children Reaching Age 18

When minor beneficiaries reach adulthood, their legal status changes significantly. This milestone is an excellent time to: 

• Establish or modify trusts 

• Update distribution ages and terms 

• Consider their financial maturity 

• Discuss their role in your estate plan 

Many families use this opportunity to involve adult children in family financial discussions. 

11. Health Changes (Yours or Beneficiaries’)

Serious health diagnoses—whether yours or a beneficiary’s—can dramatically impact estate planning needs. Consider: 

• Your health: May accelerate planning timelines or modify distribution strategies 

• Beneficiary health: Might require special needs trusts or modified inheritance structures 

Health changes often create urgency, so don’t delay these important conversations. 

12. Changing Your Executor

Your executor choice is critical—they’ll handle your final affairs and distribute your assets. You might need a new executor if: 

• Your current choice has passed away 

• They’ve moved far from Connecticut 

• Family relationships have changed 

• You’ve found someone more suitable 

• Your original choice is no longer willing or able 

Choose someone you trust who lives reasonably close to Connecticut and understands your values. 

13. Loss of Beneficiaries

When beneficiaries pass away or become estranged, their portion of your estate needs new direction. This situation requires careful planning to: 

• Redirect assets appropriately 

• Update contingent beneficiaries 

• Consider per stirpes vs. per capita distributions 

• Address potential family conflicts 

These changes often have ripple effects throughout your entire estate plan. 

14. Starting a Gifting Program

Annual gifting strategies can significantly impact your estate plan. If you’ve begun making substantial gifts to family members, consider: 

• How gifts affect overall asset distribution 

• Whether remaining beneficiaries receive proportionally less 

• Tax implications of your gifting strategy 

• Documentation requirements 

Coordinate your gifting program with your overall estate planning strategy. 

15. Retirement Account Distribution Requirements

At age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from most retirement accounts. This milestone requires reviewing: 

• Beneficiary designations on all retirement accounts 

• Trust structures for retirement assets 

• Tax implications for your beneficiaries 

• Coordination with your overall estate plan 

Retirement account beneficiary planning is complex and requires specialized knowledge. 

Take Action When Legal Matters 

Your will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever create—and maintain. Regular updates ensure it continues to protect your family and honor your wishes as your life evolves. 

Ready to review your estate plan? Our experienced team has helped Connecticut families navigate these important decisions for over four decades. We combine sophisticated legal expertise with genuine personal attention, making the process as straightforward as possible. 

Contact The Prue Law Group today at (860) 423-9231 to schedule your estate planning consultation. Let us help you ensure your legacy is protected, no matter what changes life brings. 

 

The Prue Law Group has served eastern and central Connecticut since 1980, providing comprehensive estate planning, probate, and elder law services. Our team’s deep local knowledge and specialized expertise help families protect what matters most.