Andrew Chan has written a short article for the Boston Globe in which he lists 13 significant life events that should have you reaching for the phone to call your attorney. To go to the article and read his list click here. To Mr. Chan’s list we would add just a few more life events that could have an effect on your estate plan:

The approaching need  to rely upon assistive living care from caregivers in the home, assisted living or nursing facility.

Concerns about the decline in cognitive mental abilities of yourself or your spouse.

A change in residence—especially if you move to a new state.

Children or grandchildren turning 18 or graduating from college—this may or may not change your estate plan, but at the very least your young adults will now need their own health care directives and privacy forms.

If you anticipate one of your relatives or heirs disagreeing with your wishes and challenging your will, trust or overall estate plan.

There are of course a great number of things which could impact your estate plan, not all of which can be named in one article or blog post; but if you stay aware—and stay in touch with your estate planner—you can rest easy that your plan will continue to function exactly as you intend.

According to Ms. Span, adult children of aging parents often find themselves caring not only for mom and dad but also for stepmom, stepdad and sometimes even another stepparent from yet a third (and current) marriage. Dividing time (and often finances) between so many parents with new and special needs can quickly take its toll, as can the family politics that come with adult siblings, half siblings, and step siblings. “It adds another layer of complexity to an already complex and emotional situation.”

With all of this complexity and intermingling family ties, it is more important than ever to have conversations about estate planning and long-term care with parents and siblings before mom and dad (and stepmom and stepdad) get to an age where they need in home or around the clock nursing care. A good estate plan can eliminate much potential fighting and confusion by clearly defining who will be making financial decisions and who should be making health care decisions when mom or dad become incapacitated. And a caregiver agreement can provide financial assistance to the one sibling who inevitably ends up shouldering most of the care giving burden, and at the same time help to reduce any potential resentment.

If you are a part of a blended family don’t wait for time to take its toll; talk to your parents and siblings now about any challenges the future may bring—and discuss how to meet those challenges together.