How to Update Your Living Trust After Major Life Events
You update your living trust by reviewing it after every significant life change, then making amendments, restatements, or replacements so it continues to reflect your intentions. This article explains when updates are necessary, what steps to take, and how to coordinate your trust with your wider estate plan. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your trust current and effective throughout your lifetime. What life events should trigger a trust update? Major life events alter your family, assets, and priorities. Each of those shifts must be reflected in your trust if it’s to remain effective. Common triggers include marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of children or grandchildren, or the death of a spouse, trustee, or beneficiary. If you move to a new state, your trust may no longer meet local requirements. Large financial changes, such as selling a business or receiving an inheritance, also demand an update. The most overlooked trigger is the incapacity or passing of a nam...