Most estate planning attorneys recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years, and immediately after any major life event. Life events that typically require an update include marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a named beneficiary or executor, a significant change in assets, moving to a new state, or changes in federal or state estate tax law. In practice, most Americans update their plans far less frequently than that. BeyondWill monitors plan data and prompts clients and their advisors when updates may be needed, so changes don't fall through the cracks.

A last will and testament is a legal document that directs how your assets should be distributed after your death and names guardians for minor children. It takes effect only after death and typically must go through probate, the court-supervised process of validating the document and distributing assets. A revocable trust is a legal structure that holds assets during your lifetime and transfers them to beneficiaries after death, usually without going through probate. Because assets held in a revocable trust pass outside of probate, the transfer is typically faster, more private, and less expensive for your family. A revocable trust also allows you to plan for incapacity, not just death. Many estate plans include both a revocable trust and a "pour-over will" that directs any remaining assets into the trust at death.

Estate planning law is governed at the state level, and while most states will recognize a will or trust that was validly executed in another state, moving creates real risks that are easy to overlook. Your chosen executor or trustee may not be eligible to serve in your new state. Witness and notarization requirements vary and could affect whether your documents are considered valid. Some states have community property rules that affect how assets are owned and distributed. Power of attorney forms can also be state-specific, and a document from your previous state may not be accepted by financial institutions or medical providers in your new state. After any interstate move, it's worth reviewing your plan with an attorney to confirm everything still holds.

A financial power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone, called your agent or attorney-in-fact, to manage financial decisions on your behalf. This can include accessing bank accounts, paying bills, managing investments, filing taxes, and handling real estate transactions. A durable financial power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, which is why it's one of the most important documents in any estate plan. Without one, a court may need to appoint a guardian or conservator to manage your affairs if you're unable to, a process that is often slow, expensive, and public.

A living will, sometimes called an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that records your wishes regarding medical treatment if you become unable to communicate those decisions yourself. It typically covers preferences around life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, artificial nutrition, and palliative care. A living will works alongside a healthcare power of attorney, which names someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Together, these documents ensure that medical providers and family members know your wishes and have the authority to carry them out, reducing the burden on loved ones during an already difficult time.

BeyondWill supports simple will-based plans as well as trust-based plans built with attorney collaboration. Every plan includes guardianship, beneficiary designations, and digital asset coverage.

All plan templates are drafted and reviewed by licensed estate attorneys to ensure compliance across 49 states and the District of Columbia. BeyondWill does not service Louisiana. Advisors can also collaborate directly with attorneys through BeyondWill's network when clients need more complex planning.

A complete BeyondWill estate plan can include a last will and testament, a revocable trust with pour-over will, a financial durable power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, a living will or advance directive, and an executor and trustee summary designed to guide family members through the administration process. Every document is drafted using attorney-reviewed templates and is available across 49 states and Washington D.C. BeyondWill does not currently service Louisiana.

Yes. Estate plans created through BeyondWill use attorney-reviewed legal templates and are valid when properly signed, witnessed, and notarized according to the requirements of your state. BeyondWill guides you through the signing process and explains the execution requirements for your state. The documents themselves carry the same legal weight as plans drafted directly by an attorney, provided they are executed correctly. For complex situations involving business interests, multi-state property, blended families, or significant tax planning needs, BeyondWill can connect you with an estate attorney in its network.

Divorce is one of the most important triggers for updating an estate plan, and BeyondWill is designed to guide you through that process. A divorce may affect your named beneficiaries, healthcare and financial agents, guardianship designations, and how your assets are held or titled. Some states automatically revoke beneficiary designations to a former spouse upon divorce, while others do not. BeyondWill will prompt you to review and update affected sections of your plan following a divorce or separation so that your documents reflect your current wishes and family situation.

The average client is around 44 years old, married or in a committed relationship, with kids, a home, and full-time employment. They're busy professionals who value efficiency, clarity, and the ability to keep their plan up to date.

No. The platform was built for the mass affluent through high-net-worth individuals, anyone who wants a plan that evolves with life, not one that expires with it.