Moving to a New State? Don’t Forget These Critical Legal Updates

Relocating, whether for retirement, to be near loved ones, or to embrace a new chapter, entails more than just changing your mailing address.

Many people don’t realize that moving to a different state can have significant implications for the legal documents that safeguard their family, finances, and future.

Why State Laws Matter

Legal documents, such as healthcare directives, financial powers of attorney, and property deeds, are all subject to state law. This means that what’s valid in one state may not be in another.

For example:

• Your living will might not meet legal standards in your new state if the witnessing rules differ.
• Financial institutions in your new state could hesitate to accept a power of attorney from another state.
• Real estate ownership might need to be updated if you move your primary residence or sell property.

Even if your documents technically remain valid, they can still cause delays or confusion at crucial times when clarity and certainty matter most.

What to Review and Update

As you settle into your new home, review these important documents with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney:

• Health Care Proxy & Living Will: Make sure your medical preferences remain clear and enforceable under your new state’s laws.
• Durable Financial Power of Attorney: Verify that local banks and financial institutions accept it.
• Property Deeds: Especially crucial if you now own property in more than one state.
• Beneficiary Designations: Moving is an ideal time to confirm all your accounts and policies are up to date.
• Trust Funding Documents: If you have a trust, ensure your assets are appropriately titled within it.

If you’re married, in an unmarried partnership, or own a business, your move may have extra estate and tax implications. Be sure to discuss these with a local expert.

Keep Your Plan Working, Wherever Life Takes You

Your estate plan is designed to give you peace of mind and protection, but it’s effective only if it’s current and valid in your state of residence.

Whether you’ve just settled in or are planning a move, taking time for a legal review now can help you avoid significant issues in the future.