--- title: Successful Estate Planning, Tailor-Made description: Estate plans are not one size fits all, and needs change over time. Encourage clients to review their estate plans on an annual basis. image: https://info.wealthcounsel.com/hs-fs/file-2546812628-png/blog/February_2015/Blog10-Tailor.png --- [![WealthCounsel](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WealthCounsel%20Logo%202018/WC-Flag-Logo-Rev.png?width=800&height=93&name=WC-Flag-Logo-Rev.png "WealthCounsel")](https://www.wealthcounsel.com/) ![Blog-hero_columns](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-hero_columns.png?width=2800&name=Blog-hero_columns.png "Blog-hero_columns") # [Successful Estate Planning, Tailor-Made](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/successful-estate-planning-tailor-made) Feb 27, 2015 10:23:40 AM ![Blog10-Tailor](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/hs-fs/file-2546812628-png/blog/February_2015/Blog10-Tailor.png?width=1020&name=Blog10-Tailor.png) About five years ago I invested in a tuxedo – shirt, tie, studs, shoes – the whole nine yards. Formal wear is not something I need often, but when I do it’s convenient to have it right there, in my closet, ready to go. And with no more tuxedo rentals, the tux has proven to be a worthwhile wardrobe investment. I recently pulled out the tux and tried it on in anticipation of an upcoming event. Something was different. Actually, it was me. My commitment to a healthier, more active regimen was paying off, but the tuxedo was going to need some adjustments. I went to go see the tailor. It’s a good reminder for us and for our clients. Call it, if you will, a first principle of **[estate planning](http://www.wealthcousel.com)**: What fits you now won’t fit you forever. Estate planning professionals understand that an estate plan is not something you do once, check off on your bucket list and you’re done. It’s not a one-time affair. Like the tuxedo with its various pieces from bowtie to shoes, a well-designed estate plan is complete, integrating all the necessary elements, i.e. **[Durable Powers of Attorney](http://www.wealthcounsel.com/)** – Medical and Property, Beneficiary Designation forms, **[Living Wills](http://www.wealthcounsel.com/)**, one or more **[trusts](http://www.wealthcounsel.com/)** (**[Irrevocable Trust](http://www.wealthcounsel.com/)**, **[Living Revocable Trust](http://www.wealthcounsel.com/)**, etc.), a Pour-Over Will. And like the tuxedo that fit me five years ago and doesn’t today, over time changes will inevitably occur – some predictable and intentional, others unexpected. Those changes will impact how well an estate plan fits. That’s where an experienced tailor – and an experienced estate planner – become very valuable players. Even the most thoughtful, comprehensive estate plan can’t anticipate all of life’s inevitable curves and changes. From personal events (marriage, divorce, births, deaths) and economic events (reversals of fortune, major economic swings) to legislative events (inheritance, tax code changes), a well-drafted estate plan is one that is adjusted as needed to accommodate the client’s changing world. As you run through the **[estate planning checklist](http://www.wealthcounsel.com/)** with your client, be sure to spend some time discussing the importance of reviewing and adjusting the plan – at regular intervals and whenever significant life events occur. In estate plans – as in tuxedos – a tailor-made fit works best. Topics: [Estates Planning](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estates-planning) [Drafting Solutions](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/drafting-solutions) Previous Post [![](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/hs-fs/file-2490410143-png/blog/valentine_cartoon.png) ](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/an-estate-plan-valentine) [An Estate Plan Valentine](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/an-estate-plan-valentine) Next Post [![](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/hs-fs/file-2593015575-jpg/blog/LE_March_2015/Blog11-Photo.jpg) ](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/incapacity-planning-its-all-in-the-details) [Incapacity Planning – It’s all in the Details](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/incapacity-planning-its-all-in-the-details) ### Post a Comment This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Subscribe to Email Updates - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Estates Planning (345)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estates-planning) - [Trusts & Estates (153)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trusts-estates) - [Business Law (147)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/business-law) - [legal news (140)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/legal-news) - [Elder Law (107)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/elder-law) - [Drafting Software (65)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/drafting-software) - [Practice Management (64)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/practice-management) - [Medicaid Planning (55)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/medicaid-planning) - [Continuing Legal Education (51)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/continuing-legal-education) - [Legal Marketing (40)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/legal-marketing) - [Drafting Solutions (32)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/drafting-solutions) - [estate planning (26)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estate-planning) - [business planning (17)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/business-planning) - [Special Needs Planning (15)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/special-needs-planning) - [trust administration (12)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trust-administration) - [trusts (12)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trusts) - [estate planning practice (10)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estate-planning-practice) - [tax planning (9)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/tax-planning) - [COVID-19 (7)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [Veterans Benefits (7)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/veterans-benefits) - [SECURE Act (6)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/secure-act) - [RLT (5)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/rlt) - [Taxation (5)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/taxation) - [legal technology (5)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/legal-technology) - [small businesses (5)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/small-businesses) - [client relationships (4)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/client-relationships) - [DAPT (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/dapt) - [Decanting (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/decanting) - [GRATs (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/grats) - [LLCs (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/llcs) - [PPP (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/ppp) - [SLATs (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/slats) - [real property (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/real-property) - [Build Back Better Act (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/build-back-better-act) - [Buy-sell agreement (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/buy-sell-agreement) - [Cryptocurrency (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/cryptocurrency) - [GST (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/gst) - [Gift and Estate Tax Exemption (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/gift-and-estate-tax-exemption) - [Gifting (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/gifting) - [Grantor Trusts (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/grantor-trusts) - [IRA Planning (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/ira-planning) - [Retirement Planning (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/retirement-planning) - [Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/tax-cuts-and-jobs-act) - [children (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/children) - [digital assets (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/digital-assets) - [estate tax exemption (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estate-tax-exemption) - [ethics (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/ethics) - [income tax planning (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/income-tax-planning) - [joint property (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/joint-property) - [malpractice (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/malpractice) - [separate property (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/separate-property) - [Dynasty Trust (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/dynasty-trust) - [Gift Tax (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/gift-tax) - [NFTs (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/nfts) - [Standalone retirement trusts (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/standalone-retirement-trusts) - [Stepped-Up Basis (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/stepped-up-basis) - [asset protection (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/asset-protection) - [capital gains (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/capital-gains) - [legacy planning (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/legacy-planning) - [pet planning (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/pet-planning) - [spendthrift trust (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/spendthrift-trust) - [succession planning (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/succession-planning) - [trust decanting (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trust-decanting) - [trust situs (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trust-situs) [see all](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/successful-estate-planning-tailor-made#) ### Posts by Topic - [Estates Planning (345)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estates-planning) - [Trusts & Estates (153)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trusts-estates) - [Business Law (147)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/business-law) - [legal news (140)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/legal-news) - [Elder Law (107)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/elder-law) - [Drafting Software (65)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/drafting-software) - [Practice Management (64)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/practice-management) - [Medicaid Planning (55)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/medicaid-planning) - [Continuing Legal Education (51)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/continuing-legal-education) - [Legal Marketing (40)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/legal-marketing) - [Drafting Solutions (32)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/drafting-solutions) - [estate planning (26)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estate-planning) - [business planning (17)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/business-planning) - [Special Needs Planning (15)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/special-needs-planning) - [trust administration (12)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trust-administration) - [trusts (12)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trusts) - [estate planning practice (10)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estate-planning-practice) - [tax planning (9)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/tax-planning) - [COVID-19 (7)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [Veterans Benefits (7)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/veterans-benefits) - [SECURE Act (6)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/secure-act) - [RLT (5)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/rlt) - [Taxation (5)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/taxation) - [legal technology (5)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/legal-technology) - [small businesses (5)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/small-businesses) - [client relationships (4)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/client-relationships) - [DAPT (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/dapt) - [Decanting (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/decanting) - [GRATs (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/grats) - [LLCs (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/llcs) - [PPP (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/ppp) - [SLATs (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/slats) - [real property (3)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/real-property) - [Build Back Better Act (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/build-back-better-act) - [Buy-sell agreement (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/buy-sell-agreement) - [Cryptocurrency (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/cryptocurrency) - [GST (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/gst) - [Gift and Estate Tax Exemption (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/gift-and-estate-tax-exemption) - [Gifting (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/gifting) - [Grantor Trusts (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/grantor-trusts) - [IRA Planning (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/ira-planning) - [Retirement Planning (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/retirement-planning) - [Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/tax-cuts-and-jobs-act) - [children (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/children) - [digital assets (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/digital-assets) - [estate tax exemption (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/estate-tax-exemption) - [ethics (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/ethics) - [income tax planning (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/income-tax-planning) - [joint property (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/joint-property) - [malpractice (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/malpractice) - [separate property (2)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/separate-property) - [Dynasty Trust (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/dynasty-trust) - [Gift Tax (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/gift-tax) - [NFTs (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/nfts) - [Standalone retirement trusts (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/standalone-retirement-trusts) - [Stepped-Up Basis (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/stepped-up-basis) - [asset protection (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/asset-protection) - [capital gains (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/capital-gains) - [legacy planning (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/legacy-planning) - [pet planning (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/pet-planning) - [spendthrift trust (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/spendthrift-trust) - [succession planning (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/succession-planning) - [trust decanting (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trust-decanting) - [trust situs (1)](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/topic/trust-situs) [see all](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/successful-estate-planning-tailor-made#) ## [**](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/successful-estate-planning-tailor-made#) [**](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/successful-estate-planning-tailor-made#) [**](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/successful-estate-planning-tailor-made#)   © 2024, WealthCounsel, L.L.C. | All Rights Reserved | [Terms of Service](https://www.wealthcounsel.com/terms-of-service) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.wealthcounsel.com/privacy-policy) | [Site Map](https://www.wealthcounsel.com/sitemap) 3 2nd Street, Suite 803, Jersey City, NJ 07302 T: [833-609-5658](tel:833-609-5658)  [information@wealthcounsel.com](mailto:information@wealthcounsel.com)   [[fa icon="chevron-up"]](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/blog/successful-estate-planning-tailor-made#) [![WealthCounsel](https://info.wealthcounsel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WealthCounsel%20Logo%202018/WC-Flag-Logo-Rev.png?width=800&height=93&name=WC-Flag-Logo-Rev.png "WealthCounsel")](https://www.wealthcounsel.com/) ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/974839099/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0)