As the calendar year closes, many Wisconsin families are turning their attention toward reflection, preparation, and protection. One of the smartest ways to enter the new year with confidence is by completing a thorough Estate Planning Checklist. With the new year on the horizon, now is the ideal time to ensure your legal documents are accurate, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is clearly defined.

End-of-year estate planning isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about peace of mind. By addressing potential risks and updating your plans before January, you avoid rushed decisions later and position your family for stability in the year ahead.

Why a Year-End Estate Planning Checklist Matters

Completing your end of year estate planning review offers both practical and emotional benefits. The final months of the year naturally push families to evaluate finances, health needs, and long-term goals; all essential elements of effective planning.

A year-end checklist helps you:

  • Account for major life changes from the past year
  • Prepare for potential new tax rules in 2026
  • Prevent outdated documents from creating legal confusion
  • Ensure your wishes remain legally enforceable
  • Protect your family from avoidable stress during emergencies

For many Wisconsin families, the transition into 2026 is the perfect moment to make sure everything is aligned.

Updating Wills and Trusts Before 2026

At the core of every estate planning checklist Wisconsin families follow is a careful review of updating wills and trusts. These documents control how assets are distributed and who is responsible for carrying out your wishes.

You should revisit your will or trust if any of the following occurred in 2025:

  • Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
  • Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
  • Death of a beneficiary, guardian, or executor
  • Significant changes in assets or property ownership
  • Business growth, sale, or restructuring

What made sense years ago may no longer reflect your current family structure or financial reality. Updating now ensures your 2025 legacy is protected exactly as you intend.

Review Decision-Making Authority

A critical but often overlooked part of 2025 estate planning involves legal authority during incapacity. Your estate plan should clearly name:

  • Financial Power of Attorney
  • Health Care Power of Attorney
  • Backup agents in case the primary is unavailable

If these roles are left outdated or undefined, the court may be forced to step in; removing control from your family at the worst possible moment. Reviewing these documents before the new year ensures someone you trust can act on your behalf if needed.

Protecting Your Legacy Through Beneficiary Updates

One of the easiest yet most powerful steps in protecting your legacy is confirming that your beneficiary designations match your estate plan. This includes:

  • Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
  • Life insurance policies
  • Payable-on-death bank accounts
  • Investment portfolios

These assets often transfer outside of your will, meaning an outdated beneficiary form can override your estate plan entirely. Your year-end checklist should always include a full beneficiary audit before 2026.

End of Year Estate Planning for Wisconsin-Specific Rules

Wisconsin has unique estate and marital property laws that can affect how assets are transferred. As a marital property state, assets acquired during marriage may be treated differently than in many other states.

This makes year-end legal planning especially important for:

  • Blended families
  • Second marriages
  • Business owners
  • High-net-worth households
  • Families managing farmland or rental properties

Ensuring your documents align with Wisconsin estate planning rules helps prevent probate complications and unintended asset distribution.

Your Practical Estate Planning Checklist for 2026

Here’s a simplified but powerful Estate Planning Checklist to complete before the year ends:

  • Review and update your Will
  • Review and update your Trust (if applicable)
  • Confirm all beneficiary designations
  • Review Powers of Attorney (financial and medical)
  • Verify guardianship appointments
  • Update digital asset instructions
  • Review real estate holdings and deeds
  • Confirm business succession plans
  • Review long-term care and medical directives
  • Ensure documents reflect current Wisconsin laws

Completing this list now protects your family from surprises in 2026.

Why Families Are Taking Action Before January

Families who wait until the new year often face:

  • Heavier attorney scheduling backlogs
  • Delays due to tax document processing
  • Increased stress following emergencies
  • Higher probate exposure if something unexpected occurs

By completing your checklist before January 1, you gain clarity, control, and confidence as you enter 2026.

If you’re ready to protect your legacy with a complete Estate Planning Checklist, the team at Krause Estate Planning & Elder Law Center is here for you. Schedule your year-end estate planning consultation today and start the new year with total peace of mind.

TL; DR

1. What should be included in an Estate Planning Checklist for 2026?
 A complete Estate Planning Checklist should include reviewing your will, trust, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, guardianship choices, digital asset instructions, real estate ownership, and business succession plans.

2. Why is end-of-year estate planning important before 2026begins?
 End-of-year estate planning allows families to account for life changes, prepare for potential 2026 tax or legal updates, and prevent outdated documents from creating confusion or delays during emergencies.

3. How often should Wisconsin families update their wills and trusts?
 Wills and trusts should be reviewed at least every 3–5 years or immediately after major life events such as marriage, divorce, new children, property purchases, or business changes.

4. Why are beneficiary updates critical in protecting your legacy?
 Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance override your will. Failing to update them can result in assets going to unintended individuals, even if your estate plan says otherwise.

5. How do Wisconsin’s marital property laws affect estate planning?
 As a marital property state, Wisconsin treats assets acquired during marriage differently, which directly impacts probate, asset distribution, and trust planning; making state-specific estate planning essential.