Without a current estate plan, state laws (intestate succession) will determine who gets your assets, which might not align with your preferences. An outdated plan might name beneficiaries or executors no longer relevant, like deceased individuals, leading to unintended distributions.

An unclear or outdated plan can cause confusion, potentially sparking disputes among family members. This might result in costly legal battles, adding emotional and financial strain during a difficult time.

The probate process, which settles your estate, can become lengthy, expensive, and public without a proper plan. An outdated plan might not streamline this, increasing costs and delays for your loved ones.

An estate plan should include provisions for decision-making if you’re incapacitated, like powers of attorney. Without this, family members may need to go through courts, which can be stressful and time-consuming.

If you have minor children, an estate plan lets you choose a guardian. Without it, or with an outdated plan, courts decide, which might not match your wishes, affecting your children’s future care.