Red Flags in Your Estate Plan

(Don’t worry—your relationship is safe.)

We spend a lot of time talking about red flags in dating. But what if we told you your estate plan could be giving off the same warning signs?

Unlike dating, estate planning red flags don’t just lead to awkward conversations—they can lead to confusion, court involvement, and family conflict. The good news? These red flags are fixable.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.

🚩 “Won’t Share What’s on Their Phone”

If no one knows how to access your digital accounts, this is a major red flag.

Passwords, online banking, subscriptions, and even photo storage are often locked behind security measures. Without a clear list or instructions, your loved ones may be completely locked out when they need access the most.

Estate planning isn’t just about physical assets anymore—digital access matters.

🚩 “I’ll Do It Later… I’m Sure It’s Fine”

This one sounds harmless—until it isn’t.

Life changes quickly: marriages, divorces, new children, moves, deaths in the family. An estate plan that hasn’t been updated in years may no longer reflect your wishes.

Imagine dating someone who planned one great date and assumed nothing would ever change. That’s what an outdated estate plan feels like.

🚩 “Still Talks to Their Ex”

If an ex-spouse, former partner, or estranged family member is still named in your documents, that’s not just awkward—it’s legally meaningful.

If a name is still in writing, it still has authority. Courts and institutions don’t guess intent; they follow what’s on paper.

🚩 “Avoids Serious Conversations”

No one enjoys talking about incapacity or end-of-life decisions, but avoiding these conversations creates uncertainty.

When loved ones don’t know your wishes, they’re left guessing—often under stress and pressure. Clear communication is one of the most loving parts of estate planning.

🚩 “Assumes You’ll Just Figure It Out”

This is one of the biggest red flags we see: no Medical Power of Attorney.

Without a Medical POA, your loved ones may not automatically have the legal authority to make medical decisions for you. In some cases, this can mean delays, disagreements, or even court involvement.

Love is not guessing. Planning gives your people the authority they need.

🚩 “Gets Weird About Commitment”

Personal items—jewelry, family heirlooms, keepsakes—often cause the biggest disputes, yet they’re rarely addressed in formal documents.

If there are no written instructions, families are left to decide on their own, which can lead to unnecessary conflict.

🚩 “Hasn’t Grown Since You Met Them”

Your estate plan should evolve as you do.

If your documents no longer reflect your current life, values, or relationships, it may be time for a review. Estate planning isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process.

❤️ The Bottom Line

Red flags don’t fix themselves—whether in relationships or in estate planning.

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to show your estate plan a little love. A thoughtful review today can save your loved ones from confusion and conflict tomorrow.

If you’re looking for a stable firm with no mixed signals, ACEMaven Legal is the perfect match.