by Kristen Ishihara and Chris Parker with Ishihara & Parker Law Firm PLLC

So, you’ve taken the crucial step of creating your estate plan—congratulations! This is an essential move in protecting your family, your assets, and your legacy. But estate planning isn’t just a one-and-done task. To ensure your plan works as intended, here are three things you should do next:

1. Store Your Documents in a Safe but Accessible Place

Having an estate plan is great, but if no one can find the documents when needed, it won’t do much good. Store your original estate planning documents in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe at home or a safe deposit box at your bank. If you opt for a safe deposit box, be sure that someone you trust—like your executor or a family member—has access.

Also, consider keeping digital copies of important documents. While originals are often required for legal purposes, digital backups can be useful in case of emergencies. Just be sure to store them securely and let your loved ones know where to find them.

2. Inform the Right People

An estate plan is only effective if the right people know about it. While you don’t have to share all the details, make sure key individuals are aware of your plan and their roles in it. These people may include:

• Your executor or personal representative
• Your healthcare proxy or power of attorney
• Trusted family members or friends

Having these conversations now can prevent confusion and disputes later. It’s also a good idea to provide them with copies of relevant documents or instructions on where to find them when needed.

3. Review and Update Your Plan Regularly

Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” process. Life changes—marriages, divorces, births, deaths, and financial shifts—can impact your estate plan. It’s important to review and update your documents periodically, especially after major life events.

A good rule of thumb is to revisit your estate plan every three to five years or whenever there’s a significant change in your life. This ensures your plan remains aligned with your current wishes and circumstances.

Final Thoughts

Taking these three steps—safely storing your documents, informing key people, and keeping your plan up to date—will help ensure your estate plan serves its purpose when the time comes. If you ever have questions or need to make adjustments, don’t hesitate to reach out to an estate planning professional.

Estate planning is about more than just documents—it’s about providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By taking action now, you’re setting up a secure future for those who matter most.

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