Year-End Legal Check-In: Protect Your Family and Assets in Massachusetts

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the changes the year has brought. Major life events—whether welcoming a new family member, navigating a divorce, or purchasing a home—can significantly impact your legal and financial standing. Now is the ideal time for a year-end legal review in Massachusetts to ensure your documents are up-to-date and your family is protected as you step into 2026.

Marriage or Divorce

Major relationship milestones carry important legal implications. If you’ve recently married or divorced, it’s essential to update your Massachusetts estate plan, including:

• Wills and trusts

• Powers of attorney

• Health care proxies

• Beneficiary designations

• Property titles

If you married without a prenuptial agreement, you may also want to discuss a postnuptial agreement. Remember to notify the Social Security Administration if your marriage or divorce involved a name change. Consulting a Massachusetts family law attorney can help ensure all legal updates are properly handled.

Welcoming a Child

Adding a new family member—through birth or adoption—is a joyful moment that also requires legal attention. Protect your child’s future by:

• Revising your will and naming a legal guardian

• Updating beneficiary designations

• Amending adoption or court documents if applicable

These steps are critical to securing your child’s financial and legal protection.

Buying a Home

Purchasing property is another significant legal milestone. Include your new home in your Massachusetts estate plan, review title ownership, and confirm your insurance coverage is sufficient. Many families also consider establishing a living trust to streamline the future transfer of property to heirs.

General Year-End Legal Check-In

Even if you haven’t experienced major life changes, a year-end legal review is a wise precaution. Updating and reviewing your documents ensures your wishes are current and protects your assets and loved ones.

Take Action Now for Peace of Mind

Updating your legal documents doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Long Hagan Huff-Harris, our experienced estate planning attorneys in Massachusetts guide clients through year-end reviews, ensuring every document—from wills to powers of attorney—is accurate and effective. Take the first step today to start 2026 with confidence, clarity, and security for your family.