What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Your Family’s Estate Plan and Financial Future
While the media spotlight focused on the political theatrics surrounding the newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” (“OBBB”), the real story lies in what this sweeping legislation means for your family’s future. With nearly 900 pages of changes to tax law, healthcare, and benefit programs, this isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a personal one.
At Starsia Law, we help families navigate the unknown with confidence. This new law presents both opportunity and risk, and understanding how it affects your financial stability and estate plan is essential—not just for today, but for the generations that follow.
Major Changes with Everyday Impact
The OBBB brings immediate shifts that could directly affect your family’s financial outlook. Many of these changes are temporary, creating a patchwork of tax breaks and benefits that may expire just a few years from now—unless you plan accordingly.
Here are just a few of the provisions that may impact your household:
Family-Focused Tax Benefits
Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per child starting in 2026
New “Trump Accounts” for children born between 2025–2028, with a $1,000 government contribution and up to $5,000/year in family contributions for education or first-time home purchases
Parent PLUS loan limits capped at $65,000 per student, which may affect how families fund college
Tax Deductions for Workers
Tip earners can deduct up to $25,000 of tip income (2025–2028)
Overtime workers can deduct up to $12,500 (individuals) or $25,000 (married couples)
Note: These benefits phase out for higher-income households and expire after 2028
Temporary Expense Relief
Car loan interest on U.S.-made vehicles is deductible up to $10,000/year (through 2028)
State and local tax deductions increase from $10,000 to $40,000 (also temporary)
Seniors may qualify for a new $6,000 deduction if age 65+ and within income limits
These incentives could offer short-term relief—but also require long-term planning, especially for families with children, aging parents, or student debt concerns.
What’s Changing with Healthcare and Government Benefits
Beyond taxes, OBBB reshapes healthcare and benefits—particularly for older adults, lower-income households, and those who rely on government support.
Key Program Changes
Medicaid recipients aged 19–64 will need to work, volunteer, or attend school for at least 80 hours/month starting in late 2026
SNAP (food assistance) now requires work until age 64 (previously 55), with new state cost-sharing that may impact eligibility
ACA subsidies (tax credits for health insurance) will phase out, potentially increasing premiums by up to 75%
New documentation requirements may make it harder for families to maintain health coverage
These changes could leave vulnerable family members at risk during transitions like job loss, illness, or caregiving responsibilities. Your estate plan should include backup strategies to ensure your loved ones are protected during periods of uncertainty.
What This Means for Estate Planning
One of the few permanent changes in the law is the increase in the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million per person (or $30 million per couple). While this means fewer families will face federal estate tax, it does not mean estate planning is any less important.
In fact, the complexity and short-term nature of many new provisions makes a traditional, document-only estate plan insufficient.
A few examples:
What happens when your tax deductions expire in 2028, but your family still depends on them?
What if your Medicaid or ACA coverage ends due to new rules, and your plan doesn’t account for healthcare costs?
What if your children inherit Trump Accounts or new deductions, but your estate plan doesn’t offer clear guidance?
That’s why our approach—Life & Legacy Planning®—goes beyond legal documents. It’s a relationship-based, proactive planning model designed to adapt with your life and the law.
How Life & Legacy Planning® Keeps Your Family Protected
At Starsia Law, we don’t just draft documents and wish you well. We become a partner in your family’s long-term well-being. Life & Legacy Planning is built to ensure your plan works when it matters most.
Here’s what makes it different:
✅ Clear Instructions + Access for Loved Ones
We make sure your family knows where documents are, how to access your accounts, and exactly what to do in an emergency.
✅ Real-World Financial Planning
We help you account for rising healthcare costs, the expiration of tax benefits, and long-term support for children or aging parents.
✅ Flexible and Ongoing
Your plan grows with you. We review and update your plan regularly, so it always reflects new laws, assets, and goals.
✅ Support Beyond You
If something happens to you—or even to us—we have systems in place to make sure your family always has a trusted advisor to turn to.
Your Next Steps
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” presents an important reminder: laws change—but your love for your family doesn’t.
Whether you’re looking to maximize short-term tax benefits, protect aging loved ones, or ensure your children inherit with clarity and confidence, you need more than a set of documents. You need a plan that’s built to last—and built with heart.
As a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm, we’ll help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that meets today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s unknowns.
Schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation today and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.
This article is a service of Starsia Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.