The 5 D’s of Estate Planning: When Life Changes, So Should Your Plan

The 5 D’s of Estate Planning: When Life Changes, So Should Your Plan

Life has a way of surprising us — sometimes in beautiful ways, and other times in ways we don’t expect. That’s why a good estate plan isn’t something you set once and forget about. It should grow and change right alongside your life.

At KLG Estate Planning, we talk a lot about the “5 D’s” — five major life events that should always prompt a second look at your estate plan. If it’s been a while since you last reviewed yours, or if you’ve experienced any of these moments recently, it might be time for a check-in.

Here’s what to watch for:

1. Death – Losing Someone Close to You

Losing a loved one is never easy, and updating your estate plan might be the last thing on your mind. But when someone who played a key role in your plan — a Personal Representative, a trustee, a healthcare agent, or even a beneficiary — passes away, it’s important to update your documents to reflect that.

We’ve seen situations where someone passed years ago, but their name still appeared in a legal document. In a moment of crisis, that oversight can cause a lot of unnecessary stress for a family already grieving.

On top of that, if you’ve inherited assets, that could shift how your estate is structured, particularly if you live in Massachusetts, where estate tax thresholds are something to keep an eye on. These are the details we help you sort through with care.

2. Divorce – A Change in Marital Status

Whether it’s a divorce, separation, or new marriage, any change in your relationship status should spark an update to your plan.

It’s more common than you’d think: someone gets divorced, but forgets to remove their ex from legal roles, or worse, as a beneficiary. That might not be your intention, but without an update, the courts may have to make that call.

And if you’ve remarried or if your family has blended, you may want to rethink how your assets are distributed. We work with many families in towns like Methuen, North Andover, and Portsmouth who want to make sure children from previous relationships are protected and that new spouses are supported, too. The right legal language can go a long way in keeping things fair and clear for everyone.

3. Diagnosis – When Health Becomes a Concern

A serious medical diagnosis — whether it’s for you or a loved one — can change your perspective overnight. Suddenly, documents that felt abstract become very real.

This is where tools like Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Proxies, and HIPAA releases matter most. These documents let you name someone you trust to step in if you can’t speak or act for yourself.

We’ve helped families in Lowell, Rye, and beyond prepare for these moments. No one wants to imagine losing their independence, but having a plan in place doesn’t take away your control. In fact, it gives you more of it.

4. Decline – When Daily Life Starts Getting Harder

Sometimes it’s not a diagnosis — it’s a slow shift. Maybe you’re noticing a loved one struggling with memory or decision-making. Or maybe you yourself are just not feeling as sharp as you used to.

This kind of decline doesn’t mean you’re incapable, but it’s a sign to prepare. It might be time to shift responsibilities to someone you trust, update a revocable trust, or rethink who you’ve named to important roles.

We often meet with adult children in Manchester or Haverhill who are stepping in to help aging parents. These conversations can be emotional, but they’re also empowering. With the right plan in place, families can avoid court involvement and focus on what really matters: care, comfort, and dignity.

5. Decade – Simply, Time Has Passed

Even if none of the above have happened, we recommend reviewing your estate plan at least once every ten years. A lot can change in your life and in the law.

Maybe your kids are grown now. Maybe you’ve bought property or started a business. Maybe your priorities have just shifted.

Here in Massachusetts, estate tax laws have changed recently, and if you own a home in places like Tewksbury or Boxford, your property value alone might push you into a new planning category. And while New Hampshire doesn’t have a state estate tax, that doesn’t mean planning isn’t important, especially when it comes to long-term care or federal tax laws.

A decade might not feel like a long time, but your life probably looks a lot different than it did back then.

So, What Should You Do?

You don’t need to overhaul your entire plan every year. But when one of these 5 D’s comes along — death, divorce, diagnosis, decline, or decade — it’s a good idea to sit down with someone who knows the law and understands your goals.

At KLG Estate Planning, we help families all across Northern Massachusetts and New Hampshire navigate these moments with clarity and compassion. Whether you’re in Andover, Nashua, or anywhere in between, we’re here to listen and guide, not to sell or pressure.

If you’re wondering whether your plan still fits your life, that’s a great reason to check in.

Let’s make sure your estate plan still fits your story.
You can reach out anytime for a thoughtful conversation.