--- title: Your Fall “Legal Affairs” Checklist description: Fall is a busy time, read this blog to keep your legal affairs organized. image: https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/30059818_s.jpg --- [![Goosman Lawfirm](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goosmannlaw%20October2017/images/Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png?width=1250&name=Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png "Goosman Lawfirm")](http://goosmannlaw.com/) - [COVID-19 Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - Our Team - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/attorneys/) - [Non-Attorney Staff](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/non-attorney-staff/) - Practices & Industries - [Practices](https://goosmannlaw.com/practices/) - [Banking & Finance](https://goosmannlaw.com/banking-finance/) - [Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts](https://goosmannlaw.com/bankruptcy-restructuring-workouts/) - [Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/business/) - [Divorce & Family Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) - [Employment](https://goosmannlaw.com/employment-law/) - [Environmental, Health & Safety](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-safety/) - [Estate Planning](https://trustlawcounsel.com) - [Gestational Surrogacy & Adoption](https://goosmannlaw.com/gestational-surrogacy-adoption/) - [International Law](http://goosmannlaw.com/international-law/) - [Litigation / Trial Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/litigation-trial-law/) - [Local Counsel](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/local-counsel/) - [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://goosmannlaw.com/mergers-acquisitions/) - [Rapid Response](https://goosmannlaw.com/rapid-response/) - [Industries](https://goosmannlaw.com/industries/) - [Agribusiness & Cooperatives](https://goosmannlaw.com/agribusiness-cooperatives/) - [Construction](https://goosmannlaw.com/construction/) - [Cyber Law and Telecommunications](https://goosmannlaw.com/cyber-law/) - [Education](https://goosmannlaw.com/education/) - [Health Care](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-care/) - [Manufacturing](https://goosmannlaw.com/manufacturing-law/) - [Multifamily Housing](https://goosmannlaw.com/multifamily-housing-law/) - [Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations](https://goosmannlaw.com/non-profit-law/) - [Real Estate](https://goosmannlaw.com/real-estate/) - [Transportation](https://goosmannlaw.com/transportation/) - [Tribal](https://goosmannlaw.com/tribal/) - Our Firm - [Firm News](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/firm-news) - Careers - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/attorneys/) - [Administration](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/administration/) - [Internships](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/internships/) - [Client Testimonials and Results](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/client-testimonials-and-results/) - [Culture, Diversity, and Community](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/culture-diversity-and-community/) - [Women-Owned Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/women-owned-business/) - [Associations & Memberships](https://goosmannlaw.com/associations-memberships/) - [Firm History](https://goosmannlaw.com/firm-history/) - Blogs - [CEO Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/ceo-on-your-side) - [Construction Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Cyber Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Deal Maker](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/deal-maker-on-your-side) - [Divorce Docket](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Food for Thought](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/agricultural-lawyer-on-your-side) - [HR Legal Insider](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side) - [Law Doc](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/health-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Paralegal Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/paralegal-review/) - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/real-estate-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Risky Business](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/risk-manager-on-your-side) - [The Banker’s Suit](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/banking-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trial Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/trial-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side) - Resources - [COVID-19 Resource Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - [Podcast](http://podcast.goosmannlaw.com/) - [Videos](https://goosmannlaw.com/videos/) - [FREE eBooks & Tools](https://goosmannlaw.com/free-ebooks-tools/) - Contact Us - [Office Locations](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/) - [Sioux City Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-city-law-firm/) - [Sioux Falls Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-falls-law-firm/) - [Omaha Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/omaha-law-firm/) - [Spirit Lake & Spencer Law Firms](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/spirit-lake-and-spencer-law-firm/) - [Real Estate Closings Office](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/real-estate-closing-office/) - [Submit a Testimonial](https://goosmannlaw.com/submit-a-testimonial/) - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter](https://goosmannlaw.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - [Pay Online](https://goosmannlaw.com/pay-online-3/) - [  (855) 843-4531](tel:855-843-4531) ![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/close-button.png) [tel:855-THE-GLF1](tel:855-THE-GLF1) [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/trust-law-counsel) # [Your Fall “Legal Affairs” Checklist](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/your-fall-legal-affairs-checklist) By [Goosmann Trust Law Counsel Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-trust-law-counsel-team)   |  13, September 2018 [READ NOW](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/your-fall-legal-affairs-checklist) [Read Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/your-fall-legal-affairs-checklist#article) [Goosmann Trust Law Counsel Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-trust-law-counsel-team)  Tags: [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/trust-law-counsel) With the fall season approaching, it’s an excellent time to review your affairs. Below is a checklist to ensure your planning meets your needs and is up-to-date: 1. **When was your power of attorney last updated?** A power of attorney is a valuable legal document, no matter what the circumstance. Not only is it flexible and can be prepared to meet your particular needs, but it can be made effective immediately or when you are unable to manage your own affairs. It is vital to review it periodically and replace it with a new one as necessary. This need may arise if you need to name a new person to help you or if you need to add or remove powers from the document. 2. **Does your trust/will still match your wishes?** Once a will or trust is created, many people simply put it in a safe place and forget about it. There are several reasons to review and update these estate planning instruments (and others) including marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, a recent windfall of cash or assets, the purchase or sale of a home, or a recent move to another state or country. Your life changes so your will or trust must change too to ensure that your needs and desires continue to be met. 3. **Is your business paperwork in order?** Whether you own an LLC, corporation, or another type of business entity each year paperwork must be filed with the secretary of state and potentially other government agencies.  Make sure all of your documents have been updated, fees have been paid, and licenses have been renewed. If they are not yet due, make sure to calendar these deadlines as to not miss them. 4. **Have you met with your tax advisor recently?** End-of-year planning is important any year when it comes to your taxes and potential liability, but this is especially true now in light of the 2017 tax changes passed by Congress. The IRS has been busy releasing regulations and new forms so tax season will be much different next year. Learn about your options under the law ahead of time so you are not hit with a not-so-nice surprise come tax season. 5. **Have you met with the rest of your professional team?** Whether the market is a bear or bull, it is important to meet with your financial advisor to go over your investment results annually and put together an investment strategy for the upcoming year. For legal questions, it’s important to meet with your attorney before a legal situation becomes difficult to manage. These are just some of the items you should focus on when considering your personal matters and ensuring your legal life is up-to-date. **Do Not Delay** There are several reasons to review and update your legal matters, including your estate plan. Before you make any decisions be sure to contact your estate planning attorney and the rest of your professional team. Understanding how your wishes are affected by applicable law will help make you make a more informed decision and protect you and your loved ones. Call our Sioux Falls firm, Sioux City firm, or Omaha firm today. [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9) ### Select Different CTA for each Post from Blog Editor [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422) ### Subscribe Our Blog Thanks for submission!! - Recent - Popular ### Posts by Topic - [Trust Law Counsel (76)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/trust-law-counsel) - [Estate Planning (62)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/estate-planning) - [Wills and Trusts (8)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/wills-and-trusts) - [Trust Planning (5)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/trust-planning) - [Death Taxes (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/death-taxes) - [Business Succession (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/business-succession) - [Dynasty Trust (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/dynasty-trust) - [Inheritance (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/inheritance) - [Irrevocable Trust (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/irrevocable-trust) - [Last Will (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/last-will) - [Probate Fees (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/probate-fees) - [South Dakota (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/south-dakota) - [Succession Plan (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/succession-plan) - [Trust Protector (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/trust-protector) - [COVID-19 (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/covid-19) - [Capital Gains Tax (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/capital-gains-tax) - [Cyber Legacy (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-legacy) - [Digital Assets (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/digital-assets) - [Disability Estate Planning (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/disability-estate-planning) - [Estate Litigation (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/estate-litigation) - [Fiduciary Rule (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/fiduciary-rule) - [Financial Exploitation of the Elderly (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/financial-exploitation-of-the-elderly) - [Financial Planning (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/financial-planning) - [Firm News (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/firm-news) - [Founder Equity in Estate Planning (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/founder-equity-in-estate-planning) - [Handwritten Intentions (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/handwritten-intentions) - [IRA (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/ira) - [IRAs (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/iras) - [Important Documents (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/important-documents) - [Liability Protection (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/liability-protection) - [Portability Election (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/portability-election) - [Probate (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/probate) - [Testament (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/testament) - [Trust Funding (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/trust-funding) - [Virtual Notarization (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/virtual-notarization) - [power of attorney (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/power-of-attorney) - [tax reform (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/topic/tax-reform) DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By visiting this website, blog, or post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Goosmann Law Firm attorneys and website publisher. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. #### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. [Previous Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/do-your-parents-have-an-estate-plan) ##### [Do Your Parents Have an Estate Plan?](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/do-your-parents-have-an-estate-plan) [Next Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/your-post-honeymoon-legal-checklist) ##### [Your Post-Honeymoon Legal Checklist](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side/your-post-honeymoon-legal-checklist) ### Contact Info **Sioux City Location** P. 712-226-4000 F. (712) 224-4517 **Sioux Falls Location** P. (605) 371-2000 F. (605) 275-2039 **Omaha Location** P. (402) 280-7648 F. (402) 505-3967 --- [Disclaimer](http://goosmannlaw.com/list-all-blogs/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](http://goosmannlaw.com/privacy-policy/) ### Locations **Sioux City Location** 410 5th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 **Sioux Falls Location** 5010 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 **Omaha Location** Advent Building 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68118 ![Goosmann](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/goosmann-white.png?width=250&name=goosmann-white.png "Goosmann") Goosmann Law Firm is a FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM with locations in Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska. Goosmann Law attorneys are licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their attorney team's practices and industries include but are not limited to Agribusiness and Cooperatives, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Workouts, Business, Construction, Cyber Law and Telecommunications, Divorce and Family Law, Education, Employment, Environmental Health and Safety, Gestational Surrogacy and Adoption, Health Care, Litigation and Trial Law, Manufacturing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Municipal, Nonprofit and Tax Exempt Organizations, Real Estate, and Transportation, Tribal, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Goosmann © Copyright 2017