I still remember the day Mike and Linda walked into my office over 25 years ago. They were a young couple, full of hope and excitement about their future. They had two little kids at home, a modest house in Denver, and a dream of building a secure life together. We worked closely to craft an estate plan that protected their family. They left my office that day with wills, a basic trust, and powers of attorney in hand. Mike gave me a firm handshake and said, “Thanks, Skipton. Now we’re covered.”
But life, as it always does, kept moving. The kids grew up, went to college, and started families of their own. Mike and Linda’s financial situation changed dramatically over the years. They paid off their Denver home, bought a second house in Breckenridge, and even started investing in rental properties. Yet, through all these milestones, they never revisited their estate plan.
Then came the day when Linda walked back into my office alone, holding a folder of their original estate documents. Mike had passed away suddenly. As she recounted the events of the past few weeks, her eyes brimmed with frustration and grief. The second home they cherished so much wasn’t included in their trust, forcing Linda to endure the lengthy and expensive probate process. The guardianship provisions for their now-adult children were irrelevant, and their healthcare directives were so outdated that Linda was left guessing Mike’s end-of-life wishes.
It was a harsh lesson for Linda—one I wish they hadn’t had to learn. Estate plans aren’t a one-and-done deal. They’re a living reflection of your life and priorities, and they need to be revisited regularly.
At Skipton Law, we specialize in helping families keep their plans up to date. We ensure your assets are properly titled, your beneficiaries are current, and your wishes are clearly documented. Life changes—so should your estate plan. Don’t wait for a crisis to discover what’s missing. Register for a Workshop today, and let’s ensure your estate plan evolves with you.