It’s a question we hear all the time: “Should I just add my child to my bank account so they can help me later?” Or, “Wouldn’t it be easier to put my home in my son’s name now, so it avoids probate?” While these steps might seem simple, adding a child to your accounts or property can create unintended legal and financial consequences.

Estate planning can feel overwhelming—but avoiding a few key missteps can make all the difference for your family. Whether you're just starting out or revisiting your documents after years, here are five of the most common estate planning mistakes we see in Rochester and surrounding communities—and how to avoid them.