Estate planning isn’t just about having documents in place—it’s about having the right documents, properly drafted, up to date, and aligned with current laws. At Modern Law, we review countless estate plans, and the truth is: many of them have serious flaws.
Mistakes in estate planning often go unnoticed until it’s too late—when families are left scrambling, assets are tied up in court, or government programs fail to provide expected support. Given today’s economic uncertainty and potential cuts to federal programs, now is the time to double-check your loved ones’ estate plans.
Why You Need to Review Their Plan Today
Many parents and grandparents created their estate plans decades ago and haven’t reviewed them since. Times change, and so do laws, financial situations, and family dynamics. Here’s why you should bring them in for a review:
✔ Outdated Documents – Laws change, tax rules shift, and old plans may no longer work as intended.
✔ Errors & Omissions – Many estate plans contain mistakes or missing pieces that could lead to probate, tax issues, or family disputes.
✔ Government Uncertainty – With rising federal deficits, government benefits like Medicaid, Social Security, and VA pensions could face cuts—meaning families will have to rely more on their own planning.
✔ Long-Term Care Costs – Without proper protections, a nursing home stay could wipe out an estate. Medicaid planning must be done in advance.
✔ Family Conflict Risks – An unclear or outdated estate plan can lead to disputes, contested wills, and unnecessary court battles.
The only way to know if your parents’ or grandparents’ plan is secure and effective is to have it reviewed by an experienced attorney.
Common Problems We Find in Old Estate Plans
At Modern Law, we routinely uncover major issues in existing estate plans. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes:
🚨 Named Executors or Trustees Are No Longer Desired
🚨 Beneficiary Designations Conflict with the Trust or Will
🚨 Assets Not Properly Titled in a Trust
🚨 Missing Beneficiary Designations
🚨 Outdated Powers of Attorney That Won’t Work in Emergencies
🚨 Missing Provisions for Long-Term Care or Medicaid Planning
🚨 No Plan for Special Needs or Minor Beneficiaries
Many of these issues could cause serious legal and financial problems for your family. The only way to fix them is now—before a crisis happens.
What You Can Do Today
If you have elderly parents or grandparents, take one simple step: Schedule an estate plan review with us.
✔ It’s fast – A simple review can uncover major issues before they become a crisis.
✔ It’s cost-effective – Fixing problems before death or incapacity saves thousands in legal fees and court costs.
✔ It’s peace of mind – Knowing your family is protected removes stress and uncertainty.
Modern Law is here to ensure your family’s estate plan actually works when it’s needed most. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Bring your parents and grandparents in for a review today.
📞 Call or Text (417) 200-2500 – Modern Law: Business & Estate Planning. Modern Law proudly services Joplin & Springfield Missouri, and surrounding areas.