Plan Now. Handle Things Throughout 2026.
The holidays finally give most families one rare gift: a little breathing room.
Not to overhaul your entire life (no one is doing that in December), but to pause long enough to look ahead at what you may want to handle in 2026.
Think of this guide as a planning map, not a to-do list.
You’re not supposed to tackle everything right now; just decide what matters, and when it makes sense to address it in the new year.
Family & Estate Planning: What Should I Look At?
Before the year ends, ask yourself a few quick questions:
- Has anything major changed; relationships, kids, assets, where you live?
- Do your documents still reflect your actual family?
If the answer is “not really,” great.
If the answer is “ehhh… maybe?” here’s what to plan for:
What to Handle in Early 2026
- Review your will or trust
- Confirm beneficiaries on life insurance, bank accounts, and retirement funds
- Update Healthcare & Financial Powers of Attorney
- Create a simple digital estate plan for passwords and online access
These are easier to update when everyone’s schedules calm down in January–February.
Property & Real Estate: What Should I Check Now?
The holidays are a great time to look at your paperwork drawer (everybody has one).
Quick Year-End Gut Check
- Is your homeowners or renters coverage still enough for hurricane season?
- Any HOA or condo issues you’ve been ignoring?
Best Time to Handle It in 2026
- Insurance updates: Before spring storm season
- Lease updates (for landlords): Before renewing tenants
- Lady Bird Deed questions: After tax season, when finances settle
Kids, Custody, & School Planning
You don’t need to fix everything now; just note what changed this year.
Ask Yourself:
- Did work schedules change?
- Did your child’s needs change at school?
- Do you have a teen turning 18 soon?
Best Time to Handle It
- Parenting plan adjustments: Around the new school semester
- IEP/504 Plan reviews:IEP/504: Before the new school year begins, so accommodations are in place from day one
- (Some families also do a mid-year check if needs changed.)
- 18+ forms (HIPAA, FERPA, POA): Anytime before move-in day if they’re heading to college
Finances, Gifts & Tax-Related Items
A quick holiday review can prevent next year’s headaches.
Plan for 2026
- Write down family gifts or loans
- Review asset protection (umbrella insurance, homestead status, trusts)
- If you’re getting married next year, plan a prenup consult for spring
Insurance & Personal Injury
Don’t let things drag into the new year.
Handle Before 2026 if You Can
- Pending injury or insurance claims
Handle in Early 2026
- Review auto coverage before policies renew
(Florida minimums aren’t great — most families need more protection) .
Your Next Steps
Take 10 quiet minutes this week.
Circle the sections that actually matter for your family.
Then schedule your Year-End Legal Checkup with our team, and we’ll help you plan the year ahead.
[Schedule Your Year-End Legal Checkup]
Or call (407) 512-4394 to talk with our team.
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Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by The Orlando Law Group
