Is Your Estate Plan Ready for the Holidays? What to Review This October

As the holiday season approaches, families in Rochester and across Monroe, Orleans, and Genesee Counties gather to reflect, reconnect, and look toward the future. October presents the perfect window to pause and ask a critical question: Is your estate plan up to date and ready for what lies ahead?

Whether you’re revisiting documents created years ago or building a plan from scratch, fall is a strategic time to ensure your family is protected, your wishes are clear, and your legal affairs are in order before the new year begins.

Why October Is the Ideal Time to Revisit Your Estate Plan

Timing matters in estate planning. October offers a proactive window for several reasons:

• Year-end tax planning: Reviewing your plan now gives you time to make tax-efficient decisions before December 31.
• Holiday travel and gatherings: If you’ll be seeing family, it's an opportunity to discuss updates or decisions with loved ones.
• Avoiding last-minute stress: Waiting until the holidays or January to address legal documents can lead to rushed or overlooked details.

Key Estate Planning Documents to Review

If it’s been more than two or three years since you reviewed your plan—or if you've experienced a major life change—here are the essential components to evaluate this fall:

1. Your Will

Does your will reflect your current wishes and family structure? If you’ve bought a home, had children, divorced, or experienced a death in the family, updates may be necessary.

Also review who is named as executor. Are they still the right person for the job?

2. Trusts

Revocable and irrevocable trusts can help you avoid probate, control how assets are distributed, and provide privacy. If you already have a trust in place, review:

• Who is named as trustee and successor trustee
• How and when beneficiaries will receive assets
• Whether your trust needs to be funded or updated with new assets

Not sure if a trust is right for your situation? Schedule a consultation with our team today.

3. Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney allows someone to handle your financial matters if you're unable to. Make sure this document is current and appoints someone you trust.

Also verify whether your POA includes the necessary authority for things like real estate transactions, business operations, or Medicaid planning if applicable.

4. Healthcare Proxy & Living Will

These documents express your healthcare wishes and designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. They are especially important during periods of travel or for aging individuals.

If you haven’t reviewed your healthcare proxy in several years, it’s time for a refresh.

Common Changes That Trigger Updates

Even if your documents were professionally prepared, they may need updating due to life changes such as:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Home purchase or sale
• Inheritance received
• Change in health status
• Change in business ownership
• Relocation to or from New York

When any of these life events occur, don’t wait—review your plan with an attorney to ensure your assets and loved ones are properly protected.

Don’t Forget Digital Assets

More people today hold digital assets like online bank accounts, crypto wallets, or social media profiles. Make sure your estate plan includes:

• A list of important accounts and passwords (stored securely)
• Clear instructions for managing or transferring digital property
• A designated person to handle your digital assets if you’re incapacitated

Peace of Mind Before the Holidays

There’s nothing more valuable than peace of mind when gathering with family. Having your estate plan reviewed and updated now allows you to enjoy the holidays without the weight of unresolved legal matters.

If you don’t yet have a plan in place, or if you’re not sure if your documents are still valid, our legal team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Serving Monroe, Orleans, and Genesee Counties

We proudly assist families across Western New York with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate matters, and more. If you’re located in Rochester, Brockport, Albion, Batavia, or surrounding towns, we’re local, accessible, and ready to help.

Schedule a consultation today to get your estate plan in order before the holidays begin.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

The end of the year can sneak up fast. October is your chance to be proactive and protect your family’s future. Whether you need to draft your first will, establish a trust, or simply review your existing documents—now is the time.

Our estate planning attorneys are here to help ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are taken care of—today and tomorrow.

Contact Klafehn, Heise & Johnson PLLC today or call us at (585) 637-3911 to schedule your estate planning review.

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Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about legal strategies and guidance for estate planning and probate law in New York State. It should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for consulting with an attorney. Each individual's situation is unique, and laws can vary from state to state. For specific legal advice and guidance tailored to your transactions and circumstances, consult with the attorneys at Klafehn, Heise & Johnson PLLC in Brockport, NY. You can contact us here. Portions of this account are considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING under the New York State Unified Court System Rules of Professional Conduct (22 NYCRR Part 1200). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.