By Tara David | Contributing Columnist
Did you know there’s an entire week dedicated to estate planning? Back in 2008, Congress named the third week of October National Estate Planning Awareness Week. This year, it runs October 19 through 25.
I know, it’s not exactly a holiday with parades. But it’s a great nudge to do something most of us keep putting off.
Lately, I’ve noticed a pattern. People come into my office thinking their plan is “done” because they signed documents years ago. Then we open the folder and find a Will that still names an ex as executor, or a power of attorney from before Florida rewrote its power of attorney law in 2011.
So, what should you check? Here are four quick questions.
1. Does your Will still name the right people?
Your Last Will and Testament, the “Will,” names your personal representative (the person who handles your affairs) and the people who inherit. Marriages, divorces, births, and deaths all change the picture.
2. Do you have a durable power of attorney?
This document lets someone you trust handle your finances if you can’t. In Florida, it must be signed in front of two witnesses and a notary.
3. Who can make medical decisions for you?
A health care surrogate designation names that person. Without one, doctors may have to sort out who speaks for you, and that isn’t always who you would choose.
4. Have you written down your end of life wishes?
A living will tells your loved ones and doctors what you want, so they don’t have to guess during an already hard time.
Well, what if you answered “no” or “I’m not sure” to any of these? That’s completely normal! Pull out your documents this week and give them a read. If something looks outdated, it’s usually a simple fix.
Planning ahead is one of the kindest gifts you can give your family. It spares them stress, guesswork, and family drama.
Cheers to peace of mind and smooth sailing ahead!
Estate plan checkup FAQ
Check your personal representative (the person who handles your affairs) and your beneficiaries. Marriages, divorces, births, and deaths can leave the wrong person in charge.
Yes, if you want someone you trust to handle your finances if you can’t. Florida requires two witnesses and a notary. If yours was signed before Florida rewrote its power of attorney law in 2011, it deserves a second look.
The person named in your health care surrogate designation. Without one, doctors may have to sort out who speaks for you, and that isn’t always who you would choose.
A living will tells your loved ones and doctors your end of life wishes, so they don’t have to guess during an already hard time.
After any marriage, divorce, birth, or death in the family, and every few years even if nothing changes. National Estate Planning Awareness Week, the third week of October, is a great reminder.
This column also ran in The New Pelican on Oct. 15, 2026.
The main office of Tara David, Esq. of Estate Law of Florida, P.A. is located at 2211 NE 36th Street (Suite 101) in Lighthouse Point. Visit elflorida.com, email hello@elflorida.com, or call 954-951-7274 for more information. Tara David offers complimentary consultations for estate planning and probate matters.