A New School Year Is a Good Time for a Family Legal Check-In
September often feels like a fresh start. New teachers, new routines, new activities, new schedules, and a calendar that somehow fills up overnight.
While you're organizing backpacks and figuring out who has practice on which night, September can also be a good time to take a few minutes to check in on something that is easy to put off: your family's legal and emergency plans.
You don't need to spend an entire weekend going through paperwork. A simple family check-in can help make sure the people you trust have the information they would need if something unexpected happened.
Who would step in if you couldn't?
For families with children, one of the most important questions is who would care for your children if you were temporarily or permanently unable to do so.
It may be uncomfortable to think about, but having a plan can bring peace of mind. Consider whether your current guardianship designations still reflect your wishes and whether the people you've chosen are still the right fit for your family.
Life changes quickly. The person you would have chosen five years ago may not be the person you would choose today.
Are your emergency contacts up to date?
Take a look at the emergency contacts listed with your children's schools, activities, daycare, and other organizations.
Are the phone numbers still correct? Are the right people authorized to pick up your children? Does someone you trust know how to reach you and your backup contacts?
These small details can make a big difference when something unexpected happens.
Do the right people know where important information is?
Imagine someone you trust suddenly needs to step in and help your family.
Would they know where to find your important documents? Would they know who your attorney is? What about insurance information, financial accounts, medical information, or other important records?
You don't necessarily need to share every private detail, but the people who may need to help should know where to look and who to call.
When was the last time you reviewed your plan?
If it's been several years since you reviewed your estate plan, September can be a great reminder to take another look.
Marriage, divorce, new children, a move, a new business, changes in finances, aging parents, or other major life events can all be reasons to revisit your plan.
Even if nothing major has changed, circumstances—and people—change over time.
Planning isn't about expecting the worst.
It's about taking care of the people you love.
The goal isn't to spend your September worrying about everything that could go wrong. It's to spend a little time making sure your family is prepared so you can get back to what really matters: packing lunches, cheering from the sidelines, helping with homework, and enjoying this season of life.
A new school year is a new beginning. It might also be the perfect time for a fresh look at your family's plan!