Get Your Legal Ducks in a Row Before 2025: A Year-End Checklist
As the ball gets ready to drop in 2024, it’s time to do a little legal housekeeping. Whether you’re just kicking off your career, settling into your first home, or prepping for big milestones ahead, this checklist will help you step into the new year cool, calm, and covered. Let’s get you squared away.
Write (or Revisit) Your Will
Wills aren’t just for the rich or retired. If you’ve got anything to your name—or someone you care about—you need one.
Spell out who gets what.
Name a guardian for your kiddos or furry friends.
Avoid awkward family squabbles down the line.
Already have a will? Now’s the time to give it a once-over to make sure it’s still saying what you want and includes new information related to any recent life changes. If you don’t have a will, then it could be time to fix that.
Who’s Your Beneficiary?
Life happens—marriages, babies, breakups. Make sure your beneficiary designations are up to date, especially when it comes to:
Life insurance
Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.)
Payable-on-death bank accounts
If you don’t, your ex could end up with your savings. Yikes.
Sort Out Your Housing Situation
If you’re renting a place, make sure to check your lease before you re-up or pack up. You should check:
Renewal dates
Security deposit fine print
Rules about subletting
Own your home? Double-check your mortgage and taxes are current. If you find yourself in the p process of buying a place in 2025, call a lawyer friend (like Cate!) to comb through your contracts.
Handle Those Pesky Traffic Tickets
That parking ticket from last spring isn’t going away on its own. Now’s the time to:
Pay off outstanding tickets
Settle any lingering disputes
Show up for court dates (you don’t want a warrant ruining your New Year’s resolutions)
Get Your Financial Papers in Order
Tax season is near—now’s the time to review finances, organize receipts, and prepare for a smooth filing. A little effort today can save stress tomorrow!
Make sure you’ve got:
W-2s, 1099s, and income docs
Receipts for deductible expenses
Investment and savings records
A little prep now = a less stressful April.
Make an Emergency Plan
Life is full of curveballs. Probably the best and only way to handle them is to have a good plan already in place. Because when life gets real, you’ll want a plan.
Here are a few ideas:
Assign a durable power of attorney.
Set up a healthcare proxy (a.k.a. someone who knows your medical wishes).
Pad that emergency fund.
Brush Up on Tax Changes
Tax laws love keeping us on our toes, always evolving to add new twists. They’re complex, impactful, and let’s face it—a bit of a headache. Good thing Cate’s here to make sense of it all and keep you stress-free. Get familiar with:
New credits or deductions
Updated income thresholds
Deadlines for HSA or Roth IRA contributions
A quick chat with a tax pro now could save you cash later.
When in Doubt, Ask for Help
Legal stuff is tricky, whether it’s landlord disputes, business contracts, or year-end prep that’s making your head spin. From fine print to big-picture planning—wills, real estate questions, and everything in between—Cate’s here to help. Start your checklist now, and set yourself up for a stress-free 2025. Your future self will thank you.
