Kids Grow Up Fast, Is Your Estate Plan Keeping Up?

Kids Grow Up Fast, Is Your Estate Plan Keeping Up?

By Whitney Knox Lee, Esq.

September 4, 2025

For many families with school-age children, September means settling back into routine. Whether you're waiting in the carpool line or waiting on a call from your college student, September underscores how quickly children's needs evolve. For the parents of empty nesters, this month may bring feelings of pride, fear, and hope. That's why fall is a great time for parents and guardians to revisit their estate plans.

As we adjust to these transitions, it’s important to ask: Does my estate plan reflect where we are in life? Does my Will still match my wishes? Should I loosen or tighten restrictions in the Trust I set up years ago? What about the people I’ve chosen for key roles — are they still alive, nearby, and financially secure enough to step in if needed?

These are all questions worth considering as we settle into this season’s new normal. Before the holiday rush takes over, take a moment to review, update, or create your estate plan.

This month, our Back-to-School series focuses on estate planning considerations for families with children — grouped by the age of the kids your life revolves around. 

Not a parent? Forward this blog to a parent or guardian you know!

Planning for Baby: Estate Planning While Family Planning or Pregnant  

You’re baby-proofing the house, stocking up on onesies, and maybe even practicing how to install that car seat. But what about baby-proofing your future? Estate planning while pregnant (or thinking about it) means making sure you and your new little one are protected from day one. Additionally, taking extra precautions to plan for genetic material like frozen eggs or frozen embryos, partnership without legal marriage, divorce, and the mother’s healthcare decisions if she faces incapacity during pregnancy are absolutely vital. Check out the full blog to understand why your family plan isn't complete without an estate plan.

Ages 0–3: Guardianship and Peace of Mind for the Early Years 

Between midnight feedings and endless snack demands, the last thing on your list is paperwork. But making those newly dubbed Godparents legit by naming them guardians, setting up a basic plan, and getting life insurance in order now could make all the difference later. Sleep easier knowing it’s handled. Read the full blog to learn what parents of young children need to know about estate planning.

Ages 4–17: Covering the Busy Years 

As kids grow, so do your responsibilities as parents, grandparents, and caregivers (hello, carpools, sports fees, and teenage drivers). Your estate plan should keep pace too — from updating guardians to thinking about college savings, navigating divorce to becoming a bonus parent, and uncovering new medical diagnosis of your child or self. Here’s what parents of school-aged kids should consider while estate planning. 

College & Beyond: Estate Planning with Young Adults 

They’re officially “grown” — but you’d still want to step in if something happened. Did you know once your child turns 18, you can’t automatically make medical or financial decisions for them? A few simple documents can save you major stress later.

And for parents stepping into the empty nester stage, your estate planning goals often shift too. The focus may move from daily guardianship decisions to long-term legacy, retirement security, or even loosening trust restrictions you once tightened. It’s a whole new season — and your plan should reflect it. Here's what you need to know about estate planning for young adult children.