If you’re getting ready to move to Ohio, you may have a considerable amount of tasks on your hands, from updating your license to scheduling your moving company. However, among the packing and planning, there may be one thing you’re forgetting – your estate plan! Though this may be the last thing on your mind amid your move, it’s imperative to ensure your estate plan is up to date with your new address and assets. Additionally, your out-of-state Will may not be valid in Ohio, so ensuring the language aligns with state laws is critical. If you’re unsure whether or not you’ll need to update your Will, the following blog explores what you should know about these matters and how a Medina County, Ohio Will preparation lawyer can assist you through these matters.
Is a Will From a Different State Valid in Ohio?
When you move to Ohio, you may not know that your Will from the previous state where you resided may not be valid. Unfortunately, due to variations in language from state to state, you may find that the terms and conditions you had previously established cannot be honored in Ohio.
In Ohio, an out-of-state Will will be honored if it complies with the law in the location of the state where it was executed or the laws of the state where the testator was residing at the time.
However, it’s important to understand that even if the Will itself is honored, your move likely changed the terms and conditions of the document. For example, if you left your prior house to your two children without updating it to reflect your new property, it can create confusion and chaos during the Probate process.
How Can I Update My Out-of-State Will?
To ensure your wishes are honored upon your passing, the best thing you can do when you move is meet with an experienced estate planning attorney who can assist you in reviewing and updating your Will and other estate planning documents. If there is any language that needs to be adjusted or terms you must change, working with an attorney is the best way to ensure that these amendments are legally binding. Unfortunately, trying to update an estate plan on your own can be incredibly complex and could lead to you accidentally invalidating your Will.
When you’re ready to update your Will, the team at Krause Law can assist you through these matters. Though moving is stressful, making time to ensure your estate plan reflects your wishes can help save your loved ones stress while ensuring your wishes for your estate after your passing are honored. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve the peace of mind that your assets will be cared for.
