As the days grow shorter and the routines of school, sports, and fall gatherings fill our calendars, many families find themselves back in planning mode. While you’re mapping out carpools and holiday menus, don’t forget another essential checklist item: your estate plan.

Fall is the perfect season to review—or create—your estate documents, especially if your family has changed or grown. Whether you’re part of a blended family, recently remarried, or still don’t have a will, this is the time to take action before another year slips away.

Why Fall is Ideal for Estate Planning

Fall naturally invites reflection and preparation. It’s a quieter season between the rush of summer and the bustle of the holidays, and it offers a chance to think ahead while things are relatively calm.

If you already have an estate plan, this is a great time to review:

• Have there been any births, deaths, marriages, or divorces in the family?

• Do your chosen guardians or trustees still make sense?

• Have your assets or beneficiaries changed?

If you don’t yet have a plan, you’re not alone—but it’s time to move forward.

Blended Families Need Thoughtful Planning

Estate planning is especially critical for blended families. When spouses bring children from previous relationships, a “simple will” often won’t protect everyone’s interests. Without a custom plan, state law might distribute your assets in a way that unintentionally favors one side of the family or causes conflict among surviving loved ones.

For example, you might want your current spouse to remain in your home, but ultimately ensure it passes to your children from a prior marriage. Or you might want to leave unequal amounts to children based on needs or relationships.

These are personal decisions—and only a customized estate plan can ensure they’re carried out. Creating or updating your plan now can offer clarity, reduce tension, and foster unity for your blended family down the road.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Your State?

Many people assume their spouse or children will “just get everything” if they pass away—but the truth is more complicated. If you die without a will, your estate is considered intestate, and your state’s laws will determine who inherits what.

In many states, your spouse might only receive a portion of your estate, with the rest going to your children—even minor ones. That can create real challenges for blended families, especially if minor children inherit assets that are then managed by a court-appointed guardian.

Without a will, you also lose the opportunity to:

• Appoint guardians for your minor children

• Name someone you trust to handle your affairs

• Minimize taxes and delays through trust-based planning

Don’t leave these critical decisions to the state.

The bottom line? Autumn is the season to act. Whether you need a plan, an update, or just a check-in, now is the time to make sure your wishes will be honored—and your family protected.