Why February Is the Perfect Time to Update Your Estate Plan 

When most people think about estate planning, it often falls into the category of “something I’ll get to later.” Yet proactive estate planning—especially at the beginning of the year—can make a meaningful difference in protecting your assets, your family, and your long-term wishes. 

At Prue Law Group, we see firsthand how often families delay planning simply because life is busy. February offers a moment to pause, reflect, and take meaningful steps to ensure that what you’ve worked hard to build is protected and clearly documented. The start of a new year, however—particularly the month of February—is one of the most strategic and practical times to review or update your estate plan. From fresh financial clarity to upcoming life milestones, February offers a unique opportunity to take control of your long-term planning with intention. 

A Clearer Financial Picture After Year-End

Estate planning tip: Reviewing your will, trust, and beneficiary designations after year-end ensures your documents reflect your most current financial situation.
By February, most households have closed the books on the prior year. You have a clearer understanding of income, expenses, investments, and overall net worth. This makes it an ideal time to evaluate whether your current estate plan accurately reflects your financial reality. 

Changes in asset values, newly acquired property, retirement account adjustments, or the sale of a business can all impact how your estate plan should be structured. Updating documents now ensures your plan aligns with your current balance sheet—not last year’s assumptions. 

A Natural Reset for Goals and Priorities

Estate planning is closely tied to personal and financial goal-setting. February provides the space to evaluate whether your estate plan still aligns with your long-term objectives.
February follows the annual reset that comes with the new year, but without the distraction and urgency of January. It is often when people begin to focus more thoughtfully on their goals—both personal and financial. 

Estate planning is not just about documents; it is about intent. Who do you want to protect? What legacy do you want to leave? Have your priorities shifted? This quieter period is well-suited for making deliberate, informed decisions about guardianship, beneficiary designations, charitable giving, and long-term care planning. 

Staying Ahead of Life Changes That Impact Your Estate Plan

Life does not pause—and estate plans should not remain static. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, relocations, and career changes all warrant a review of your plan. February is an excellent checkpoint to ensure your documents still reflect your family structure and personal circumstances. 

Addressing updates early in the year also helps avoid last-minute planning later, particularly before major travel, tax deadlines, or year-end obligations. 

Proactive Estate Planning Reduces Stress and Uncertainty

One of the most overlooked benefits of updating your estate plan is peace of mind. Knowing that your affairs are in order allows you to move through the rest of the year with confidence, rather than uncertainty. 

Proactive planning reduces the risk of disputes, delays, or unintended outcomes for your loved ones. It also ensures that critical healthcare and financial decisions will be handled according to your wishes if the unexpected occurs. 

A Strong Start Sets the Tone for Your Estate Planning Year

Estate planning is a foundational component of responsible financial and personal planning. Addressing it early in the year reinforces good habits and creates momentum for other important initiatives—tax planning, retirement planning, and business succession planning among them. 

If your estate plan has not been reviewed in the last three to five years—or if your circumstances have changed—February is an excellent time to act. 

Take the Next Step With an Estate Planning Attorney

At Prue Law Group, we view estate planning as an ongoing process, not a one-time event. A thoughtful review now can help ensure your plan continues to protect what matters most. 

If you are ready to update your estate plan, review an existing will or trust, or confirm that your current documents still serve your goals, our estate planning attorneys are here to help. 

At Prue Law Group, we believe estate planning is deeply personal. Our role is not just to prepare documents, but to listen, guide, and help our clients feel confident that their wishes will be honored and their loved ones protected—this year and for years to come. 

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Sources: 

Connecticut Bar Association. “Estate Planning Basics.”
Available at: https://www.ctbar.org/members/practice-resources/for-the-public/estate-planning 

American Bar Association. “What Is Estate Planning?”
Available at: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate-planning/ 

Internal Revenue Service. “Estate and Gift Taxes.”
Available at: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estate-and-gift-taxes 

National Institute on Aging. “Getting Your Affairs in Order.”
Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/getting-your-affairs-order 

Connecticut General Assembly. “Connecticut Probate and Estate Laws.”
Available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/title_45a.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.