If you’ve ever searched online for estate planning tips, you’ve probably been flooded with lists of what you should do. While those resources can be helpful, they often overlook an equally important perspective: what you shouldn’t do. Missteps in estate planning can create unnecessary stress, confusion, and even costly legal battles for your loved ones.
To help you avoid common pitfalls, here are 5 critical “don’ts” to keep in mind when creating or updating your estate plan.
#1 Don’t hide your documents.
You don’t have to share every detail of your estate plan with family, but you also shouldn’t keep it a mystery. Too often, families are left scrambling because they didn’t even know an estate plan existed or they couldn’t find the documents when they needed them most.
Advance directives, such as powers of attorney and health care instructions, are particularly important to share during your lifetime. For other documents, at the very least, make sure your loved ones know where to find them. Avoid storing originals in a bank safe deposit box, which may be inaccessible right when they’re needed. A fireproof safe at home or a clearly marked folder in an accessible place is usually a better choice.
#2 Don’t write on the documents.
Life changes, and your estate plan should change with it. But resist the temptation to “DIY” edits by scribbling notes or crossing out names.
Handwritten changes are rarely valid under the law and often create more problems than they solve. Courts may disregard your intended edits, and worse, unclear markings can spark disputes among family members. Even when the change seems simple, like adding a grandchild’s name, it must be done formally through your attorney.
Think of it this way: your documents are legal instruments. Just as you wouldn’t try to repair your own pacemaker, you shouldn’t attempt to amend them on your own. Call your attorney, explain what you’d like to update, and let them make the changes properly.
#3 Don’t assume your spouse will handle everything.
Many people assume that if something happens to them, their spouse automatically has full authority to make decisions. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way.
If your spouse is incapacitated at the same time, for example, in a shared accident, or simply unwilling or unable to serve, your plan falls apart. That’s why it’s essential to name alternates in all key roles, whether for financial management, health care decisions, or administering your estate. A strong estate plan always provides backups.
#4 Don’t wait.
Estate planning isn’t just for the elderly, wealthy, or seriously ill; it’s for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and their assets. Waiting until “the right time” often means waiting until it’s too late.
By planning now, while you are healthy and clear-headed, you can carefully consider your options and avoid rushed or emotional decision-making. Estate planning is one of those tasks that rewards early action, offering peace of mind for you and security for your family.
#5 Don’t assume you’re done.
An estate plan isn’t a “set it and forget it” project. It’s a living set of documents that should evolve with your life.
Major life events, marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and new property purchases, are natural triggers for updates. But even if nothing significant has changed, it’s wise to review your plan regularly to confirm that it still reflects your wishes.
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Estate planning mistakes can be costly, but they’re also avoidable. By steering clear of these five “don’ts,” you’ll save your family unnecessary stress and ensure that your wishes are carried out the way you intend.
Information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and not intended to constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for help with your specific situation.
For assistance with Maryland and D.C. Estate Planning and Probate/Estate Administration matters,
contact the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC
at 410-995-7719
Attorney Elsa W. Smith
