City of Hope Planned Giving • If I Don’t Have a Plan

What happens if you don’t have a plan?

You may be surprised to learn how the state of California* decides how to distribute property. Request our complimentary chart and other planning resources using the form on this page.

By creating and updating your will or trust and ensuring your beneficiary forms are complete and up-to-date, you can ensure that loved ones and causes you care most about are included and your wishes are honored.

Use this short checklist to determine if it’s time to create or update your plan.

Has it been three or more years since you last reviewed your plan?
Have you recently changed jobs or retired?
Has there been a birth or death in your family?
Has there been a change in your marital status?
Has there been a change in the situation of your executor or beneficiaries?
Have you included your charitable priorities in your plan?
Has your health or the health of a loved one changed?

Checking just one means it’s time to create or update your plan.

Even if your situation hasn’t changed, you might want to consider revisiting your plan. City of Hope offers a selection of complimentary planning publications that will assist you in creating or updating your plan.

*If you don’t live in California, check how your own state distributes property.