Malcolm and Libby just brought home their baby girl, Ella (all fictional). The joy in their home is palpable—bottles on the drying rack, baby books stacked high, and that little bassinet nestled in their room. In the middle of their diaper-changing, swaddling, and lullaby-singing whirlwind, one important task stands out: updating estate plans post-adoption.



The couple’s friend Jess adopted a son two years ago but never updated her estate plan. When she faced an unexpected medical emergency, her sister had no legal authority to make decisions for her child. Jess fixed it afterward, but it was a wake-up call for Malcolm and Libby. Here are some updates they make to protect Ella and ensure their plan reflects their new family.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-they-add-ella-to-their-revocable-trust-nbsp">They Add Ella to Their Revocable Trust&nbsp;</h4>



Before Ella arrived, Malcolm and Libby had a joint revocable living trust. But the trust didn’t name any children. They amend it to include Ella as a beneficiary, so their assets will pass directly to her without probate. They also include provisions to manage the money for her until she reaches adulthood.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-they-choose-a-legal-guardian-for-ella-nbsp">They Choose a Legal Guardian for Ella&nbsp;</h4>



This is one of the hardest but most essential decisions. Malcolm and Libby choose Libby’s sister, a teacher who adores kids, as Ella’s guardian. They document this in both their wills and trust. That way, there’s no question about who should care for Ella if they’re not around.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-they-add-children-s-terms-in-their-trust">They Add Children’s Terms in Their Trust</h4>



Instead of giving assets directly to Ella, Malcolm and Libby decide to add terms to their trust for her. This lets them set how the money will be used—for example, for school expenses, health care, and life milestones. Their trustee will manage the funds until Ella is older.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-they-review-life-insurance-policies-nbsp">They Review Life Insurance Policies&nbsp;</h4>



Malcolm and Libby each have a <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/the-importance-of-reviewing-your-life-insurance-11678765" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life insurance policy</a>. After adopting Ella, they increase their coverage amounts. Raising a child comes with new financial responsibilities, and they want to make sure Ella is fully supported. They also update the beneficiary designations to name their revocable trust as the beneficiary.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-they-revisit-their-health-care-directives-nbsp">They Revisit Their Health Care Directives&nbsp;</h4>



While their health care directives were still valid, they update them with new emergency contacts and medical preferences. They also add a note indicating their wishes for Ella’s care in a medical emergency, giving the guardian access to make decisions if needed.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-they-document-their-digital-legacy-nbsp">They Document Their Digital Legacy&nbsp;</h4>



Photos, videos, and letters stored in the cloud—Malcolm and Libby have a growing digital life they want Ella to inherit. They create a digital inventory and include it in their revocable trust. They also write letters to Ella, something they plan to update over the years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-updating-estate-plans-post-adoption">Updating Estate Plans Post-Adoption</h2>



Ella’s arrival transforms Malcolm and Libby’s lives, as big <a href="https://simplytrust.io/topics/life-stages/">life changes</a> do. And their estate plan transforms right alongside it. By updating estate plans post-adoption, they turn their love and intention into lasting security. As Ella grows, they’ll continue to revisit the plan, adding new memories and milestones along the way.



For Malcolm and Libby, updating estate plans post-adoption isn’t just paperwork. It’s a love letter to Ella’s future. These updates help them feel grounded and secure. Knowing that Ella is protected, no matter what, brings a deep sense of peace.

Updating Estate Plans Post-Adoption Protects a Growing Family

Welcoming a child is an immensely joyful milestone. Although a new baby changes everything—your routines, your priorities, your definition of sleep, and your view of the future. So, amid all the joy and adjustment, it’s also an ideal time to start planning. And while estate planning for a baby isn’t as exciting as choosing a baby name or decorating the nursery, it’s one of the most loving gifts you can give your child.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estate-planning-for-a-baby-begins-with-guardianship">Estate Planning For a Baby Begins with Guardianship</h2>



One of the most important steps in estate planning for a baby is naming a guardian. If something unforeseen happens, this is the person who would raise your child. Without a named guardian, the court steps in—and there’s no guarantee that the court’s choice for <a href="https://simplytrust.io/3018/guardianship-in-estate-management/">guardianship</a> would match your own.



Choosing a guardian gives you control over who will love, care for, and guide your child through life. You’re not just picking someone responsible—you’re choosing someone whose values align with yours. And that can make all the difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trusts-add-structure-protection-and-flexibility">Trusts Add Structure, Protection, and Flexibility</h2>



Another key part of estate planning for a baby is creating a trust. A trust enables you to manage how and when to use your assets for your child’s benefit. It gives you the ability to plan long-term, well beyond the basics.



Let’s say you want to fund your child’s education but you don’t want to hand all the money over to them when they turn 18. With a trust, you can set up distributions based on milestones or age. You can also protect assets from creditors or outside claims.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-parents-choose-trusts-early">Why Parents Choose Trusts Early</h4>



Setting up a trust early in your parenting journey offers peace of mind and practical benefits:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Financial security: Ensures that you meet your child’s needs at every stage.</li>



<li>Probate avoidance: Skips the court process in most cases.</li>



<li>Asset protection: Keeps money safe from legal issues or financial mismanagement.</li>



<li>Custom control: Specifies use of funds for things like education, healthcare, and housing.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-don-t-need-a-fortune-to-set-up-a-trust">You Don’t Need a Fortune to Set Up a Trust</h2>



One thing: it’s a myth that trusts are only for the wealthy. Many families with modest means choose to include trusts in their estate planning for a baby. Why? Because even small inheritances can go further with thoughtful planning.



Whether it’s a life insurance policy, a savings account, or modest home, a trust lets you organize and distribute those assets responsibly.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-goes-into-a-trust-lots-of-things">What Goes Into a Trust? Lots of Things.</h4>



When you’re thinking about estate planning for a baby, consider everything that matters—not just money. Here’s what many parents include in a trust:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Life insurance proceeds</li>



<li>Investment and savings accounts</li>



<li>Digital assets like family photos or videos</li>



<li>Gifts from extended family</li>



<li>Heirlooms and keepsakes</li>
</ul>



And name a trustee—someone who manages the trust and ensures assets are used the way you intended—whom you can rely on. This person doesn’t have to be the same as your child’s guardian. Many families pick a trusted friend or relative with financial savvy for the role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estate-planning-for-a-baby-nbsp">Estate Planning For a Baby&nbsp;</h2>



You don’t need to have all the answers—or a completely mapped-out future. Just getting started is the goal. You can always update your plan as your family grows and changes—especially with a revocable trust (a flexible, living document). The important thing is that you’ve taken the first step. You’ve planted the seed for security and stability.



Estate planning for a baby isn’t just about legal paperwork—it’s about love, protection, and preparation. It gives your family a roadmap. It ensures your child is cared for, no matter what life brings. And as your little one moves from crawling to kindergarten to college, you’ll have something just as valuable as a baby book: a plan that grows with them.

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Updating Estate Plans Post-Adoption Protects a Growing Family

Estate Planning for a Baby: Now Is the Time