October is National Estate Planning Month—a perfect time to revisit your documents with a trusted estate planning attorney in Dallas. If you crafted your estate plan years ago and assumed it was “set for life,” this month is your reminder to schedule an estate plan review and make sure your wishes, beneficiaries, and Texas-specific strategies still fit your life today. At The Vermillion Law Firm in Dallas, John R. Vermillion and our team help Texans refresh wills and trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and more so your plan serves your loved ones’ best interests.

Financial Changes: Promotions, New Jobs, and Business Ownership

A new job, promotion, or launching a company can change everything from insurance to beneficiary designations. With updated income and assets, you may need a revocable living trust, asset protection strategies, or business succession planning. Ask a trust attorney in Dallas whether a pour-over will, transfer on death deed, or updated beneficiary designations can simplify Texas probate and protect your family.

Life Events That Trigger Updates

Marriage, divorce, childbirth, adoption, or the loss of a loved one are pivotal moments to revisit your plan. For blended families, consider second-marriage estate planning to clarify how stepchildren are treated. Parents of minors often add or update guardians, and families with disabilities may need a special needs trust attorney in Dallas to preserve benefits while caring for a loved one.

Beneficiaries: Do Your Designations Still Match Your Intent?

Relationships evolve. Confirm your will, trust, retirement accounts, and life insurance still point to the right people (and backup choices). If you’re unsure whether to use a trust or rely on beneficiary forms alone, a Dallas estate planning lawyer can help you compare a living trust vs. will in Texas and avoid surprises.

Health Issues and Decision-Makers

If health circumstances change, review your medical power of attorney, directive to physicians (advance directive), and financial durable power of attorney. Clear, Texas-compliant documents ensure the right person can act and your healthcare wishes are honored.

Relocation to Texas (or Within North Texas)

New to Texas? Laws differ by state, and moving to Dallas, Collin County, Denton County, or Rockwall County can affect your plan’s effectiveness. We regularly update documents for families relocating from out of state so they comply with Texas law and work smoothly in Dallas County probate court if needed.

Tax Law and Texas-Specific Tools

Tax laws change. Even though Texas has no state estate tax, federal thresholds, gifting strategies, and charitable planning may impact your family. Texas also offers unique tools—such as the Lady Bird Deed (enhanced life estate deed)—that can help some families avoid probate in Texas. Ask whether a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust), Medicaid asset protection trust, or other Medicaid planning strategies make sense for long-term care.

Regular Reviews: Every 3–5 Years

Even without major changes, review your estate plan every 3–5 years. A quick check-in with a Dallas estate planning law firm can catch small issues before they become big ones—like outdated addresses, deceased beneficiaries, or missing trust funding.

Serving Dallas and Nearby Communities

We assist clients across Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Plano, Richardson, Garland, Irving, Addison, Carrollton, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Mesquite, and surrounding North Dallas suburbs. ¿Hablas español? Abogado de planificación patrimonial en Dallas disponible.

Ready to Refresh Your Plan?

Updating your plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Imagine the peace of mind that comes from knowing your Texas last will and testament, trust, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations reflect your true wishes. This October, schedule a consultation with The Vermillion Law Firm—your local estate planning and probate attorney in Dallas—to review your documents, discuss trust administration or probate questions, and make thoughtful updates for the people you love.