Preparing for 2026: Why Year-End Estate Planning Matters for Salem Families

By Robert Vieyra-Braendle • 11/13/2025

As we approach the close of 2025, many of us are reflecting on the year’s milestones. Some moments brought joy, such as welcoming a child or buying a new home, while others brought challenges, like divorce or the loss of a loved one. No matter what this year looked like for you, these changes likely impacted your personal, financial, and legal life.

The end of the year is the perfect time to review your estate plan, update your legal documents, and prepare for the year ahead. Taking proactive steps now means entering 2026 with clarity, peace of mind, and a plan that truly reflects your life today. At Working Class Legal Services, a solo law firm in Salem, Oregon, we specialize in helping Oregon families protect their futures with affordable, personalized estate planning.

Here are a few important life events and year-end planning strategies to keep in mind.

Welcoming a Child

Adding a child to your family is a joyful milestone that also brings new responsibilities. Updating your estate plan to name a legal guardian is one of the most important steps you can take as a parent. You may also need to:

Revise your will or trust to include your child.
Update beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts.
Review adoption orders or vital records if your family grew through adoption.

Making these changes ensures your child’s future is secure, no matter what 2026 may bring.

Marriage or Divorce

Both marriage and divorce are life-changing events that require estate planning updates. Whether you’re entering a new chapter with a spouse or closing one, it’s essential to:

Update wills, powers of attorney, and health care proxies.
Review property titles and deeds to ensure ownership is accurate.
Notify the Social Security Administration of any name changes.
Consider a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to address financial issues proactively.

An estate planning attorney in Salem, Oregon can guide you through these updates so your documents reflect your new circumstances.

Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is more than a financial milestone—it’s a cornerstone of your estate. If you bought property in 2025, consider:

Confirming the deed is titled correctly.
Adding the property to your estate plan or creating a living trust for smoother transfer.
Reviewing your homeowner’s insurance to ensure sufficient coverage.

These steps protect your investment and your family’s long-term security.

Financial Shifts and Career Changes

Maybe 2025 brought a new job, a promotion, or even the start of a business. These shifts often impact your estate plan in ways people overlook. For example:

New income may affect your tax situation.
Business ownership requires planning for succession and liability protection.
Retirement contributions or new assets should be aligned with your estate documents.

Working with a Salem estate planning lawyer helps ensure your financial success is protected moving into 2026.

General Year-End Legal Check-In

Even if 2025 felt relatively stable, a general year-end review is always a wise move. Experts recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years—or sooner if life events demand it. This includes checking:

Wills and trusts for accuracy.
Beneficiary designations.
Powers of attorney and advance health care directives.

A fresh review provides reassurance that your documents are valid under Oregon law and reflect your current wishes.

Start 2026 with Confidence

Reviewing your estate plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking small, manageable steps today can prevent stress and confusion for your loved ones tomorrow.

At Working Class Legal Services, I understand the unique needs of Oregon families. As a solo practitioner based in Salem, I offer personalized attention, practical solutions, and affordable estate planning services.

Start 2026 on the right foot. Schedule your estate planning consultation with a trusted Salem estate planning attorney today and move into the new year with security and peace of mind.

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