Why February Is the Perfect Time to Update Your Estate Plan 

The new year rush has settled, but your resolutions are still fresh. If protecting your family’s future made your list of priorities, February offers the ideal window to tackle one of the most important tasks many people put off: reviewing and updating your estate plan. 

While any time is better than never when it comes to estate planning, February presents unique advantages that make it the perfect month to ensure your plan still reflects your wishes and protects what matters most. 

Beat the Tax Season Rush

As tax season approaches, February provides a strategic opportunity to review your estate plan before the April deadline chaos sets in. Your financial documents are already at your fingertips, making it easier to assess your current assets and ensure your estate plan aligns with your financial reality.

This timing also allows you to coordinate with your tax advisor and estate planning attorney to identify potential tax-saving strategies. In Connecticut, where estate planning intersects with both federal and state tax considerations, this coordination can make a significant difference in preserving your legacy for your loved ones.

Connecticut maintains its own estate tax with an exemption amount of $13.61 million for deaths occurring in 2025.

While this may seem high, Connecticut’s estate tax rate ranges from 10.8% to 12% for estates exceeding the exemption. Regular reviews ensure you’re maximizing available exemptions and minimizing potential tax burdens on your heirs.

Connecticut-Specific Considerations

Connecticut law includes several unique provisions that make regular estate plan reviews particularly important for residents of our state.

Probate Court Requirements

Connecticut’s probate court system has specific requirements that can affect how quickly and efficiently your estate is settled. With proper planning, many assets can bypass probate entirely through mechanisms like trusts, beneficiary designations, and jointly-held property. February provides time to review these arrangements before life gets busier.

Power of Attorney Updates

Connecticut updated its Power of Attorney statute in recent years, introducing new requirements and protections. If your Power of Attorney documents predate these changes, February is an excellent time to ensure they meet current legal standards and will be readily accepted by financial institutions and healthcare providers.

Connecticut Medicaid Planning

For those concerned about long-term care costs, Connecticut’s Title XIX (Medicaid) planning requirements demand careful attention. The five-year look-back period means decisions you make today could affect your eligibility years from now. A February review ensures your planning strategies remain compliant with current Connecticut regulations.

Life Changes Demand Plan Updates

Even if Connecticut law hasn’t changed, your life probably has. February offers a natural checkpoint to consider whether recent life events warrant updates to your estate plan.

Ask yourself if any of these situations apply:

Family Changes

• Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
• Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
• Death of a beneficiary or named executor
• Changes in family relationships

Financial Shifts

• Significant increases or decreases in assets
• Purchase or sale of real estate
• Starting or selling a business
• Inheritance received

Health Considerations

• Diagnosis of serious illness
• Changes in healthcare needs
• Concerns about long-term care

Geographic Moves

• Relocating to or from Connecticut
• Acquiring property in other states
• Changes in primary residence

Each of these circumstances can affect how your estate plan functions and whether it still achieves your goals.

What to Review in Your February Estate Plan Checkup

A thorough estate plan review involves examining several key components. Here’s what deserves your attention this February:

Beneficiary Designations

Review beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts. These designations often supersede your will, making them critical to verify. Many people forget to update these after major life changes.

Trustee and Executor Appointments

The person you named years ago might no longer be the best choice. Consider whether they’re still willing and able to serve, and whether they remain the right fit for your family’s needs.

Healthcare Directives

Your healthcare proxy and living will should reflect your current wishes. February is also a good time to ensure your chosen healthcare agent knows your preferences and has access to necessary documents.

Asset Inventory

Create or update a comprehensive list of assets, including digital assets like online accounts, cryptocurrency, and digital photos. Connecticut law now recognizes the importance of digital asset planning.

Guardianship Provisions

If you have minor children, confirm that your chosen guardians are still appropriate. Have conversations with potential guardians to ensure they’re willing and prepared for this responsibility.

The Advantage of Acting Now

February’s timing provides several practical benefits. The holiday season stress has passed, but you’re not yet in the thick of spring activities and summer vacations. Many people find they have more mental space in February to think through important decisions carefully.

Additionally, attorneys’ schedules often become more flexible after the January rush, making it easier to schedule consultations and complete necessary updates without long waits.

Don’t Wait for Perfect

One of the biggest obstacles to estate planning is waiting for the “perfect” time. February isn’t perfect, no month is, but it offers a practical window to protect your family’s future. Even if your life feels uncertain or in flux, having some protection is infinitely better than having none.

Estate planning isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process. Regular reviews ensure your plan evolves with your life, maintaining its effectiveness in protecting what matters most to you.

Take the Next Step

This February, give yourself and your family the gift of peace of mind. Review your existing estate plan or, if you’ve been putting it off, create one that reflects your current wishes and protects your loved ones.

Whether you need a simple update or a comprehensive review, taking action now means one less thing to worry about as the year progresses. Your future self and your family will thank you for making this a priority.

Ready to review your estate plan? Contact The Prue Law Group today to schedule a consultation. Our team combines deep Connecticut legal knowledge with personalized attention to ensure your plan works exactly as you intend.

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Sources:

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. “Estate and Gift Tax Information.” Accessed January 2026. https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/DRS-Forms/Current-Year-Forms/Gift-and-Estate-Tax-Forms 

Connecticut General Statutes, Title 45a – Probate Courts and Procedure. https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/title_45a.htm 

Connecticut Department of Social Services. “Connecticut Medical Assistance Program Overview.” https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Health-And-Home-Care/Connecticut-Medical-Assistance-Program-Overview 

Connecticut General Statutes § 1-350 et seq. – Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA). https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_002aa.htm 

Connecticut General Statutes § 1-42 et seq. – Power of Attorney Act. https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_002a.htm 

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The Prue Law Group has served eastern and central Connecticut since 1980, providing comprehensive business law, estate planning, probate, and elder law services. Our team’s deep local knowledge and specialized expertise help business owners protect what matters most. AI may have been used for the initial research and drafting of the article. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please contact our office for a consultation.