Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Review Your Legal Documents

As summer winds down and fall begins in Rochester and throughout Monroe, Orleans, and Genesee Counties, many families and small business owners take stock of what needs to be done before the end of the year. One important task that often gets overlooked? Reviewing your legal documents.

At Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C., we encourage clients to use the fall season as a checkpoint. With a few months left before year-end, it’s the ideal time to make sure your estate plans, real estate documents, and business agreements are still up-to-date and aligned with your current goals.

Why Fall Is an Ideal Time for Legal Reviews

Fall provides a natural pause between summer activities and the rush of the holiday season. It’s a good moment to reflect on the year’s changes and plan ahead for the next one. Reviewing legal documents now can help you:

• Address any changes from earlier in the year (new property, births, marriages, divorces)
• Prepare for year-end tax planning opportunities (generally in consultation with your tax professional as well)
• Ensure your estate plan is current before the holidays
• Update business agreements to reflect operational changes or expansions

Schedule a fall review with our team to get your documents in order before year-end.

Key Documents to Review This Fall

1. Wills and Trusts

Have you welcomed a new family member, bought or sold property, or experienced another major life change this year? If so, your will or trust may need updating. Even without major events, reviewing these documents every few years ensures they still reflect your wishes and comply with current laws.

2. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies

These documents give someone authority to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Check whether your named agents are still appropriate and whether your instructions remain the same.

3. Real Estate Agreements

If you’ve purchased, sold, or refinanced property in 2025, confirm your deeds, titles, and related agreements are recorded correctly. Fall is also a good time to review leases or contracts for rental properties you own.

4. Business Contracts and Operating Agreements

Businesses evolve, and so should their legal documents. Review partnership agreements, client contracts, and vendor arrangements to ensure they still meet your operational and financial needs.

What Life Changes Should Trigger a Legal Review?

Even if you haven’t actively thought about your documents, significant events may require updates. Consider a review if you’ve experienced:

• Marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child
• Purchasing or selling significant assets, like a home or business
• Changes in financial circumstances or retirement plans
• Relocation to or from Western New York
• Changes in federal or state laws affecting estates or taxes

Unsure if your documents need changes? Contact us for a fall legal check-up.

Benefits of Reviewing Before Year-End

By reviewing your documents now, you avoid the last-minute rush that often happens in December. You also position yourself to take advantage of any tax-saving strategies available before the calendar year closes. Plus, you gain peace of mind heading into the holidays knowing your plans are current and your family is protected.

Why Work With a Local Attorney?

Legal requirements can vary by state, county and municipality. Working with a local firm like Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C. ensures your documents comply with applicable rules in Monroe, Orleans, and Genesee Counties and reflect local considerations.

We provide personalized reviews for individuals, families, and small business owners—ensuring that every detail of your plan is up-to-date.

Contact us today to schedule your fall legal review and start the new year prepared.

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about legal document reviews in New York State and should not be considered legal advice. For personalized guidance, contact Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C. in Rochester, NY. Portions of this content may be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING under 22 NYCRR Part 1200. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.