How Does Moving Affect My Will?

If you're moving to a new state, it's a perfect time to review your Will and the other elements of your estate plan. Why? There are a few reasons.

First, even though, theoretically, a Will that's properly drawn up, signed, and witnessed in one state should be valid in any other state, that's not always the case. Just like other laws, the laws governing Wills and estates differ from state to state. So, just to be on the safe side, it's a good idea to have an estate planning attorney in your new state take a look at your Will to make sure you won't have any problems.

The next reason that you should take a new look at your Will when you move to a new state is that your estate plan may not be as up-to-date as you think it is. Peoples' lives change, even over the course of a few years. You might need to update your Will or other elements of your estate plan to reflect the addition of a new member of your family, property that you've acquired, or a new business interest.

Just like your personal life may have changed and grown, laws and legal strategies change over the years. This is the third reason it's a good idea to take another look at your estate plan when you move. A consultation with an estate planning attorney in your new state will bring you up to speed on any new legal strategies that you could employ to save on taxes, protect your heirs from creditors, or better meet your estate planning goals.