Do I Need a Lawyer Every Time I Review My Estate Plan?

 Posted on August 23, 2026 in Estate Planning

Estate plans should reflect your current life circumstances as much as possible. Because life is not static, you will need to review your plan periodically to make sure it’s still up-to-date. There are many parts of a routine review you can do yourself at the kitchen table. However, when specific changes have happened in your life or family, you should have a professional review your documents with you.

A San Antonio, TX estate planning attorney can help you know what kinds of changes qualify in 2026.

What Parts of Your Estate Plan Can You Review on Your Own?

You can check that the people named in your documents are still the ones you want. Review your named executor and the agents under your statutory durable power of attorney and your medical power of attorney. Determine whether each one is still willing and still someone you’d trust with the job.

You can also check on other parts of your estate such as retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death bank accounts. These may not be controlled by your will or other documents, but rather by the company you set them up through. Check if beneficiaries are still who you would like.

Take note of things that need updating as you review your estate. This is a good way to keep track of what you should bring to your attorney’s attention in a formal meeting.

Which Life Changes Should Be Reviewed by an Estate Planning Attorney in Texas?

Some life events should trigger a more formal review of your estate documents. Consider setting up an appointment when one of these has occurred:

• You or one of your beneficiaries got married or divorced

• Someone named in your documents has died or become unable to serve

• You bought or sold real estate

• You moved to Texas from another state

• Your estate grew or shrank significantly

• An adult child or grandchild developed a disability or a serious health problem

• You want to change who receives what, or by how much

Texas has formal requirements for making and changing documents like a will. Having an attorney review changes and help you draft an updated version can avoid legal complications in the future.

Does Texas Law Update My Will Automatically After a Divorce?

Texas has some provisions that automatically kick in after a divorce. Under Texas Estates Code Section 123.001, if a marriage is dissolved by divorce, annulment, or a declaration that the marriage is void, the will is generally read as if your former spouse and their relatives had failed to survive you. This includes appointments naming a former spouse as executor. Exceptions may be made if there is a court order or an express provision in the will saying otherwise.

This protection only applies to a will. Beneficiary designations on accounts and policies may still name a former spouse until you change them yourself. The statute also doesn’t decide who steps in once the former spouse is removed. Reviewing your documents after a divorce prevents unwanted surprises later on.

How Often Should an Elderly Person Review Their Texas Estate Plan?

Reading through your documents yourself once a year is a good goal. A more thorough review with an attorney is recommended every three to five years. Consistent reviews will help ensure that your wishes for your property after your death are carried out. It will also ensure that your wishes for yourself are honored while you are still alive. Elderly clients in particular can benefit as questions of things such as guardianship and power of attorney designations become more relevant.

Call a San Antonio, TX Estate Planning Attorney Today

If your review of your documents turned up some areas that need attention, don’t put off going over them with an attorney.

Our San Antonio, TX estate planning lawyers bring over 20 years of legal experience to estate law matters. We will make sure your plan accurately reflects your current wishes and that you feel secure in your designations.

Call The Law Office of Ryan C. Moe, PLLC at 210-861-6000 to schedule your consultation today.