As you set goals and intentions for the new year, don’t forget one of the most impactful resolutions you can make: reviewing your estate plan. Whether your plan was created five years ago or last February, a lot can change in twelve months. The start of 2026 is the perfect time to ensure your estate plan still reflects your life, your wishes, and current laws.
At The Feller Group, we encourage clients to think of their estate plan not as a one-time document, but as a living strategy that grows and adapts with them.
What to Check in Your Estate Plan
Even the most well-crafted plan needs maintenance. Each January, take a few minutes to review the following key components:
- Beneficiary Designations – Review who is listed on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts. Don’t forget to double-check contingent (backup) beneficiaries, which are often overlooked.
- Last Will and Testament – Does it still reflect your wishes, relationships, and priorities?
- Guardianship Appointments – Are your chosen guardians for minor children or dependents still the right fit?
- Power of Attorney & Healthcare Proxy – Are the individuals named still capable, willing, and available?
- Trusts – Review trustees, beneficiaries, and the terms of distribution to ensure everything aligns with your current goals and family needs.
- Fiduciaries – Executors, trustees, and agents should be reviewed periodically—people move, relationships shift, and roles may need to be reassigned.
Even small changes, such as closing a financial account or shifting your retirement strategy, can unintentionally impact your overall plan.
Life Events That Should Trigger an Update
If any of the following occurred in 2025, now is the time to revisit your estate planning documents:
- Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
- Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
- Sale or purchase of a home or business
- Relocating to a new state (especially from or to New York)
- Major changes in health, finances, or family relationships
- Loss of a loved one named in your plan
- Launching or dissolving a business
- Inheritance or significant financial windfall
Your estate plan should reflect your current life, not your life five or ten years ago. Keeping it current ensures your wishes will be honored and that the people you trust are legally empowered to act on your behalf.
Special Considerations for Higher-Net-Worth Families
Estate tax laws are always evolving, and 2026 may bring notable changes. Currently:
- The New York State estate tax exemption is $7.16 million in 2025 (subject to annual adjustments)
- The federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per individual in 2025, following recent legislative reform
If your estate is near or above these thresholds, we recommend a proactive review with a qualified estate planning attorney to explore tax mitigation strategies. Gifting, trust structures, and other techniques may help preserve more of your wealth for future generations, especially ahead of possible exemption reductions in 2026.
How The Feller Group Supports Ongoing Planning
At The Feller Group, we treat estate planning as a long-term relationship, not a one-time transaction. We help our clients:
- Conduct regular plan reviews to catch small issues before they become problems
- Update documents quickly and correctly after major life events
- Implement planning strategies for taxes, asset protection, and long-term care
- Stay up to date on changes in New York and federal laws that may impact your estate
We’re here when things change and to help you plan for what’s next.
Ready to Start the Year With Confidence?
There’s no better time than January to revisit your estate plan and make sure it aligns with your goals for 2026 and beyond. A few hours of preparation today can save your family time, stress, and cost tomorrow.
Schedule your 2026 estate plan review with The Feller Group and step into the new year with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
