Why Updating Your Will Should Be Your Top New Year’s Resolution

As the new year begins, many people focus on improving their health, finances, or relationships. But one of the most meaningful resolutions you can make this year doesn’t involve diet plans or gym memberships — it’s updating your will. A current, well-prepared will is one of the most powerful ways to protect your loved ones, your assets, and your legacy.

At Turner Law in Decatur, GA, our experienced estate planning attorney, Robert Turner, helps individuals and families ensure their wills and estate documents reflect their current wishes and circumstances. Whether you already have a will that needs updating or have never created one, now is the perfect time to take this important step toward peace of mind.

Why Having a Will Matters

A will is more than a legal document — it’s a plan for your family’s future. It ensures that your property, savings, and personal belongings are distributed according to your wishes, not left to state law or the courts. Without a valid will in Georgia, your estate is divided under Georgia’s intestacy laws, which may not reflect your personal or family preferences.

According to a 2024 survey by Caring.com, nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) do not have a will or estate plan. Many assume it’s something they’ll do “later” — but life’s unexpected turns can make that delay costly for loved ones left behind.

At Turner Law, we’ve seen firsthand how an up-to-date will can prevent confusion, conflict, and unnecessary stress during already difficult times.

When to Update Your Will

Even if you already have a will, it may not reflect your current life situation. Major life changes often make older wills outdated or incomplete. You should consider reviewing or updating your will if you’ve experienced any of the following:

• Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
• The birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
• A move to or from Georgia (state laws differ)
• A change in financial circumstances (buying property, inheritance, or new investments)
• The death or incapacity of an executor or beneficiary
• New business ownership or succession planning needs
• Changes in tax laws or estate planning regulations

Robert Turner helps our clients regularly review and revise their wills to reflect life changes and new legal standards.

The Consequences of an Outdated or Missing Will

Failing to update or create a will can leave your loved ones vulnerable to uncertainty, disputes, and costly legal processes. Without clear direction, the courts determine how your estate is divided — often leading to outcomes you wouldn’t have chosen.

An outdated will can also:

• Leave out new family members or beneficiaries.
• Appoint executors or guardians who are no longer appropriate.
• Misrepresent your current assets or property.
• Fail to account for new laws that affect estate taxes or inheritance rights.

Having a current and legally valid will ensures your wishes are honored and your family avoids unnecessary hardship.

Why Work with an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

While do-it-yourself will templates and online forms are widely available, they often overlook crucial legal details — especially when it comes to Georgia’s estate laws. Working with a skilled attorney like Robert Turner ensures that your documents are legally sound, customized to your situation, and fully enforceable.

At Turner Law, we will:

• Review your financial and family situation to draft or update your will.
• Help you name guardians, executors, and trustees you can trust.
• Integrate your will with other estate planning tools, such as trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives.
• Ensure your will complies with all Georgia legal requirements.

We serve clients throughout DeKalb County and the greater Atlanta area, offering personalized guidance in a comfortable, confidential environment.

Estate Planning in Decatur: Local Insights

In Decatur and surrounding Metro Atlanta, property values have continued to rise steadily, with median home prices exceeding $500,000 as of late 2025. This increase in home equity means more residents now have significant assets that should be properly planned for in a will.

Additionally, Georgia has no state inheritance tax — but poor estate planning can still lead to unnecessary federal taxation or probate delays. Our team at Turner Law helps families protect their wealth and avoid these pitfalls through clear, strategic estate documents.

Make 2026 the Year You Protect What Matters Most

Your will is not just a legal formality — it’s a reflection of your values, your relationships, and your intentions. Whether you’re writing your first will or updating an old one, doing so ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for.

This year, make a resolution that truly counts — update your will and protect your family’s future. Contact Turner Law today to schedule a confidential consultation and start the new year with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Posted on the behalf of Turner Law, LLC