As the year winds down and families gather across Temple, Belton, Killeen, and the newly renamed Fort Hood, there's one gift that brings more peace than anything under the tree—a complete and up-to-date estate plan.
The holidays are the perfect time to reflect, reset, and prepare for the year ahead. And with 2026 approaching quickly, Texans should take a few important steps to ensure their wills, trusts, and medical directives still reflect their wishes.
Here is your warm, family-centered, yet practical year-end checklist.
1. Review Your Will
Life changes quickly—especially in Texas households filled with children, military service members, blended families, and aging parents.
Update your will if:
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You married or divorced in 2025
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You welcomed a child or grandchild
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A beneficiary passed away
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You relocated to Texas
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Your assets significantly changed
A will review takes only minutes but prevents years of court involvement.
Learn more at:
👉 https://www.bobbybarinalaw.com/estate-planning/
2. Update Your Powers of Attorney
Your medical and financial powers of attorney must reflect the people you trust today, not ten years ago.
Ask yourself:
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“Is this still the person I would want making medical decisions for me?”
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“Does this person know my wishes?”
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“Would this person manage my finances responsibly?”
If not, it's time to update.
3. Check Guardianship for Children
For parents, this is one of the most important parts of any plan.
If something unexpected happens during travel, holiday gatherings, or the year ahead—your children need a legally appointed guardian.
This avoids:
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Family conflict
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CPS involvement
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Court-appointed guardians deciding for you
4. Review Your Beneficiaries
This is where most Texans make unintended mistakes.
Check your:
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Life insurance
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401(k) and IRA
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Bank POD/TOD accounts
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Pensions (especially military families at Fort Hood)
Beneficiaries override your will—so mismatches create lawsuits.
5. Schedule Your 2026 Planning Session
The new year will bring changes—financial, personal, and legal.
A quick planning session ensures your family is protected no matter what 2026 holds.
Schedule here:
👉 https://www.bobbybarinalaw.com/contact-us/
Give Your Family Peace of Mind Going Into 2026
Estate planning isn't about fear.
It's about love.
It's about protecting your home, your children, and your future when life is uncertain.
The Barina Law Group is here for you—this season and all year long.
Call us at (254) 699-37550
Or visit: www.bobbybarinalaw.com
