Marriage, divorce, or the loss of a spouse are all big turning points that can happen in your life. Aside from being deeply emotional, each of these events has serious legal and financial significance. But one thing that will most likely get overlooked? Your estate plan. It’s understandable that after a major event like marriage, divorce, or losing a partner, updating your estate plan would be the last thing on your mind, but your estate plan needs to reflect your current life. When your marital status changes, your legal and financial responsibilities shift too. Let’s break down this important information and what it means for your estate plan.

Just Married? It’s Time to Talk About Protection ;)

When you get married, it’s just as much a legal decision as it is a romantic one. When you tie the knot, you’re also combining lives in a financial and legal sense. Now is the time to make decisions about what assets each of you will need if the other dies. This starts with reviewing how all assets are currently titled and making necessary updates to ownership and beneficiary designations. This is especially important if you are getting married later in life or if this is not a first marriage for both of you. Remember each state can look at spousal rights differently and mistakes can have big consequences. For example, a house that is owned as “husband and wife” means something different than it does in Kansas. Send me a message if you want to know more!

The other step is to make sure you are each protected during incapacity. This isn’t just a concern for elderly couples. Accidents can occur that make it impossible for you to make or communicate decisions about your care. Having a current incapacity plan lets you determine who is authorized to make those decisions for you.

So what does this mean for your estate plan?

Start with these questions:

• If you’re ever incapacitated, do you want your spouse to make medical or financial decisions for you?

• If something were to happen to you, should your spouse inherit everything? Or do you want to leave specific assets to children, siblings, or parents?

• What about beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance policies — have those been updated since the wedding?

These questions aren’t just paperwork — they’re about protecting your spouse, your assets, and your wishes. If this is your first marriage, your estate plan might be simple. If it’s your second (or third) marriage, and you’re bringing children, property, or businesses into the mix, you may need something more tailored — like a trust — to ensure everyone is cared for in the way you want.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to merge everything. But you do need to clearly define what’s yours, what’s theirs, and what’s shared — and put it in writing.

Divorced? Time for a Fresh Start — and a Fresh Estate Plan

Divorce is hard enough without leaving legal loose ends behind. Once the court proceedings are over, take a deep breath, and tackle one last item on the to-do list: update your estate plan. In many cases, divorce automatically revokes your ex-spouse from being your executor, agent, or beneficiary under state law. But not always — and not everywhere. 

Here’s what you need to look at right away to make sure your wishes are clear, enforceable, and not subject to question: 

• Your will or trust

• Power of attorney and health care directives

• Beneficiary designations on all accounts and policies

• Guardian nominations if you have minor children

Speaking of children — if you and your ex share custody, you probably assume they will take over full care if something happens to you. But what if they can’t? Or what if you want to name a backup guardian or someone else to manage your children’s inheritance, just in case? You can do that, and you should.

Also important: Make sure your estate plan is in line with your divorce decree. For example, if you’re required to maintain a life insurance policy for your former spouse or your children, don’t remove them as beneficiaries — at least not without reviewing the court order first.

Widowed? Here’s Why Updating Your Estate Plan Matters

Losing a spouse is devastating. No amount of legal planning can ease that pain. But once the dust settles, and you’re ready, it’s important to revisit the estate plan you and your spouse created together. Some of my clients say, “I thought everything was set up.” And often, it is — until it’s not. When one spouse passes, the surviving spouse usually inherits the estate. But what happens after that?

Here’s what to think about:

• Do you now need to name a new executor or power of attorney?

• Do the beneficiaries still make sense or do you need to make an update?? 

• Have your financial needs or goals changed now that you’re on your own? 

If you were relying on your spouse to handle finances or legal decisions, this can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll walk through everything with you — at your pace — and help you make decisions that reflect your new reality. 

And here’s a gentle reminder: If your spouse had life insurance or other benefits that now come to you, this might be a good time to think about how those resources can be protected and passed on according to your wishes. A trust may be a smart move, especially if you want to provide for children or manage how funds are used.

Life Changes, So Should Your Estate Plan

Whether you’re just starting your life together, ending a chapter, or coping with loss, one thing stays the same: You deserve an estate plan that works for your current situation. 

You might be thinking “I made a will years ago — I think it’s still fine.” But if your life has changed, your plan needs to change too. Outdated documents can cause confusion, delays, and even conflict for the people you care about most.

At Schroeder Larsen Law, I make it simple. I don’t talk in legal jargon, and I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. You can expect a listening ear and someone who will help you understand your options. And I’ll guide you through the process of updating (or creating) a plan that reflects your life today — and your wishes for the future.

So whether you’re walking down the aisle, signing divorce papers, or navigating the loss of a spouse,  I’m here for you. It doesn’t have to be hard. And it doesn’t have to be something you do alone. 

Let’s talk. Click the button below and schedule a consultation with me today. Let’s make sure your estate plan is exactly where it needs to be.

I Want An Estate Plan That Works For Me