Summer is the season for slowing down, spending time with family, and taking a well-earned break from your usual routine. That’s exactly why it’s the ideal time to check in on something just as important as sunscreen and travel plans—your estate plan.

Your will or trust is not a one-and-done document. Life changes quickly, and your plan should keep up. Summer offers the breathing room to revisit what you’ve put in place and make sure it still works for your goals, your family, and your future.

Here’s why summer is the perfect season to review your estate plan—and what to look for when you do.

You Finally Have Time to Think Ahead

Summer often brings a more flexible schedule. Whether your kids are out of school, you’re taking vacation time, or business slows down a bit, it’s easier to set aside time to think about what matters most. You can use that time to review your documents, ask questions, and schedule a quick meeting to update your plan—without the pressure of the holiday season or year-end deadlines.

Life Might Have Changed Since You Signed Your Documents

Think back to when you created your will or trust. Have any of these things happened since then?

• You bought a home
• You got married, divorced, or remarried
• You had children or grandchildren
• A loved one passed away
• Your financial situation changed
• A person you named as executor, trustee, or guardian is no longer the right choice

If so, your plan may no longer reflect your wishes—or even work the way you intended. Tennessee law follows the written terms of your estate documents, so outdated language or decisions could create confusion, delays, or unintended consequences. Tennessee law recognizes formal estate planning documents such as wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives when they are properly executed and kept current.

You Want to Avoid Surprises Before the Holidays

Many families experience stress or loss around the holidays. Reviewing your estate plan now ensures that your family won’t face uncertainty or court delays during one of the most emotional times of the year. A mid-year review gives you time to make changes well before the busy fall and winter seasons.

You Can Catch Simple Mistakes Before They Become Big Problems

Outdated beneficiaries. Missing signatures. A named guardian who’s no longer willing or able to serve. These are common problems—and they’re easy to fix if you catch them early.

Reviewing your documents during the summer lets you spot these issues before they lead to conflict or court involvement. You can also make sure your health care directive, power of attorney, and other supporting documents are complete, current, and accessible.

Your Family Will Thank You

Estate planning is one of the best ways to protect your loved ones. When your plan is up to date, your family won’t have to guess what you wanted. They’ll know exactly what to do, who is in charge, and how to carry out your wishes. That kind of clarity is a gift.

Reviewing your estate plan now—while things are calm—gives your family peace of mind and keeps everyone on the same page.

Ready to Review?

Summer is the perfect time to check in on your plan. Whether you created your will or trust five years ago or just last year, a quick review can make a big difference. If anything has changed in your life, don’t wait until it becomes urgent.

Contact our office to schedule a summer estate plan review. We’ll help you make sure your documents still reflect your wishes and work the way you need them to.