Is my existing Will legal in another state?
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Is my existing Will legal in another state?
Asked on October 16, 2015 under Estate Planning, Missouri
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
As a general rule, if you move to another state you need execute a new Will. As long as it was valid in the state in which you executed it, it wiis valis in your new state of residence. However, since the laws of all states vary, if you move it makes sense to have your Will reviewed by an attorney there. Sometimes, for example, there are different processes to "prove" a Will or the new state may permit probate matters to be handled less formally and expensively, depending on the wording of the Will. Also, if your Will was executed in a state that does not have a community property system and you move to a community property states, it would be wise to contact an attorney there in order to determine whether or not the Will should be redrafted to achieve your intended results.
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