Time to Update Your Will Before Year’s End — Here’s Why

Robert Owings | Nov 04 2025 18:00

As the December countdown begins, now is the ideal moment to revisit your estate plan — and in particular, your will. At Rob Owings Law, we often see that life moves faster than paperwork. If you drafted your will a few years ago, it’s very possible that changes in your personal life, tax laws or state law mean your plan needs refreshing.

Here are five key reasons to act before the year is over, and why working with an experienced estate-planning attorney matters.

1. Life Changes Happen — Update When They Do

Major life transitions often mean your will and estate plan should reflect new realities:

  • Got married, divorced or become widowed?

  • Welcomed a child or grandchild (or your kids are now adults)?

  • Bought real property, started a business, received an inheritance or sold significant assets?

  • Relocated to or acquired assets in a new state?

Each of those events may require adjustments to beneficiary designations, executor choices, guardianship provisions or asset transfers. At Rob Owings Law, we emphasize working directly with your attorney(no “passing off” to assistants) so that your evolving situation is correctly addressed. 

2. Legal & Tax Changes Can Matter

State and federal laws change. Estate-planning tools that worked years ago may not be ideal now. For example:

  • Maryland, Pennsylvania or D.C. estate tax thresholds may have changed.

  • Your will might reference outdated provisions or fail to leverage new planning opportunities.

  • If you own assets across states (e.g., you moved, you own vacation property), you could face “multi-state probate” issues. Rob Owings Law is licensed in Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C. and handles precisely these cross-jurisdiction issues. robowingslaw.com

By updating your will before year-end, you give yourself time to make considered changes rather than rushing under pressure.

3. Year-End Is a Natural Deadline for Reflection

As the calendar turns, people often pause and reflect:

  • What do I want to leave behind?

  • Who will act on my behalf if I’m incapacitated?

  • Are my children/adults in my life ready for what I intend?

Using the year’s end as a deadline brings urgency — but it doesn’t have to mean stress. At Rob Owings Law, we aim to make the process straightforward and clear:

“Rob helped us update our estate plan… his knowledge of current Maryland laws proved invaluable” — client review. 

4. Ensuring Your Will Reflects Current Wishes

Even if nothing dramatic has changed, your priorities might have. Ask yourself:

  • Are the people I named as executor or guardian still the right choice?

  • Do I still want to leave assets the same way I did years ago?

  • Are there charitable gifts or philanthropic goals I now care about?

  • Do I still own all the assets I originally planned around — or have I sold/changed them?

Updating gives you the chance to fine-tune rather than assume the old version still “works.”

5. Peace of Mind Heading Into the New Year

There is tremendous value in knowing your affairs are in order. When you sign off your will update, you get to start the new year with a clear conscience. At Rob Owings Law:

  • You work directly with your attorney from start to finish. 

  • The firm emphasizes “personalized legal strategies without unnecessary legal jargon.” 

  • Reviews highlight responsiveness and clarity: “Rob answered all my questions and completed the work very timely.”

✅ A Quick Checklist Before You Call

Here’s a simple pre-appointment checklist to streamline things:

  • Gather current copies of your will, trusts (if any), powers of attorney and advanced medical directives.

  • Make a short list of life changes since your last update (marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moves, asset changes).

  • Note the major assets you currently own: real estate, business interests, retirement accounts, investments.

  • Think about who you want as executor, trustee (if applicable), guardian for minor children, and healthcare agent.

  • Bring a rough list of any philanthropic goals or charitable gifts you’re considering.

  • Consider your digital assets and online accounts — passwords, digital currencies, etc.

Why Choose Rob Owings Law

  • Located in Maryland, and serving Pennsylvania & Washington, D.C., they have broad regional experience. 

  • Attorney Rob Owings provides estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advanced directives — all under one roof. 

  • The website indicates strong client satisfaction, with over 58 five-star reviews and recognition in professional lawyer listings. 

  • Contact is simple: (443) 977-8640, and the firm emphasizes working directly with the attorney, avoiding unnecessary handoffs. 

Final Thoughts

Don’t let another year slip by with your will collecting dust. Whether you drafted it five years ago or haven’t touched it since a major life event, now is the time to give it an expert review. With the year-end approaching, you’ll thank yourself for hiring the right attorney and ticking this important item off your list.

If you’re ready, reach out to Rob Owings Law at (443) 977-8640 and schedule a time to review your estate plan. Let’s make sure your wishes are clear, your documents are up-to-date, and your loved ones are protected heading into the new year.