Start the Year with Peace of Mind

A new year is an ideal time to revisit your estate plan—or create one if you haven’t yet. Life changes quickly, and California’s legal and financial landscape is constantly evolving. For San Diego residents, having an up-to-date estate plan is essential to protecting your loved ones, your assets, and your intentions.



This checklist walks you through the key components of a solid estate plan and highlights why proactive planning at the start of the year can save stress, time, and expense later.

Step 1: Take Inventory of Your Assets

Begin by creating a clear picture of what you own. This includes:

• Real estate (primary residence, rental properties, vacation homes)
  
  
• Bank accounts and investment accounts
  
  
• Retirement plans (401(k), IRA, pensions)
  
  
• Business interests
  
  
• Life insurance policies
  
  
• Personal property of value
  
  

For San Diego homeowners and business owners, real estate and closely held businesses often make up a significant portion of an estate and require careful planning under California law.

Step 2: Review or Create a Will

A will outlines how your assets should be distributed and who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes. In California, a properly drafted will also allows you to:

• Name guardians for minor children
  
  
• Appoint an executor to manage your estate
  
  
• Clarify specific bequests or charitable gifts
  
  

If your will was created years ago, review it for accuracy—especially after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or major financial changes.

Step 3: Consider Whether a Trust Is Right for You

Many San Diego residents choose to include a revocable living trust in their estate plan to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and streamline asset distribution.

A trust may be particularly beneficial if you:

• Own real estate in California
  
  
• Have children or blended family dynamics
  
  
• Want greater control over when and how assets are distributed
  
  
• Wish to reduce delays and court involvement

An estate planning attorney can help determine whether a trust aligns with your goals.

Step 4: Update Beneficiary Designations

One of the most commonly overlooked steps in estate planning is reviewing beneficiary designations. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and some bank accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries—regardless of what your will or trust says.

At the start of the year, confirm that:

• Beneficiaries are current
  
  
• Designations reflect your wishes
  
  
• Contingent beneficiaries are named
  
  

Failing to update beneficiaries can unintentionally disinherit loved ones.

Step 5: Put Powers of Attorney in Place

Estate planning isn’t only about what happens after death—it also protects you during your lifetime.

California residents should have:

• A Financial Power of Attorney to manage finances if you’re incapacitated
  
  
• An Advance Health Care Directive to outline medical wishes and appoint a healthcare agent
  
  

These documents ensure decisions are made by someone you trust and according to your values.

Step 6: Plan for Long-Term Care and Incapacity

As part of a comprehensive estate plan, it’s important to consider long-term care needs. Planning ahead can help protect assets and reduce the burden on family members.

This may involve:

• Evaluating long-term care insurance options
  
  
• Structuring assets within a trust
  
  
• Clarifying care preferences in advance directives
  
  

Early planning provides flexibility and peace of mind.

Step 7: Review Your Plan Annually—or After Major Life Changes

Estate plans are not “set it and forget it” documents. At a minimum, review your plan once a year. You should also revisit it after:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Buying or selling property
• Starting or selling a business
• Changes in California estate or tax laws

Regular reviews ensure your plan continues to reflect your life and goals.

Why Work with a San Diego Estate Planning Attorney

California estate law is complex, and small mistakes can lead to probate delays, unnecessary taxes, or family disputes. Working with a local attorney ensures your estate plan complies with state law and accounts for regional considerations such as real estate values and community property rules.

Start the Year Strong with Conscious Legal

At Conscious Legal, estate planning is approached with intention, clarity, and care. The firm works closely with San Diego individuals, families, and business owners to create customized plans that align legal strategy with personal values.

Whether you’re creating your first estate plan or updating an existing one, starting the year with proactive planning is one of the most impactful decisions you can make.