Relocating to a new state is an understandably complicated process. In addition to handling the logistical aspects of your move, you will also need to figure out whether you will be renting or buying a property, update your vehicle registration, and figure out your tax obligations, among many other considerations. In the middle of this transitional time, thinking about your estate plan is probably not at the top of your to-do list. However, as with any significant life transition, moving to a new state is a great time to revisit your current estate plan to determine that it still aligns with your preferences and goals.
The process of updating your estate plan after moving to Washington state does not need to be a cumbersome experience; rather, enlisting the guidance of a knowledgeable and friendly Spokane estate planning lawyer can help you move through this important process with greater ease and confidence. For the most part, having an out-of-state will in Washington will not pose too many challenges. However, it’s a good idea to review your current estate planning documents to ensure that you and your loved ones are sufficiently protected, no matter what the future may hold. Let’s take a closer look at why you should update an estate plan after moving to a different state and the key benefits of working with an experienced estate planning lawyer to help you move through this process with greater understanding and certainty.
Key Estate Planning Documents to Review and Update After Relocating to a New State
Generally speaking, any estate planning documents that you already have in place will still be useful if you move to another state. However, state laws can affect the validity and enforceability of certain estate planning documents, so it’s essential that you devote some time to reviewing these documents and updating them to ensure that they still reflect your wishes and protect you in the ways you want them to. Below are just a few of the most important estate planning documents that will benefit from a review and update once you relocate to Washington state.
Last Will and Testament
Like most states, Washington recognizes the validity of out-of-state wills, as long as they were properly executed according to the other state’s legal requirements. Yet, just because your will is still valid does not mean it will automatically reflect your current wishes and preferences. For instance, it’s worth discussing whether you should appoint a new executor who resides in Washington to serve in this capacity (you are still allowed to use an executor who resides in another state, but some new residents prefer to appoint an in-state executor). It’s also important to recognize that Washington is what’s known as a community property state, which means that both spouses jointly own any property acquired over the course of the marriage. With this in mind, you may wish to create a new will to reflect your wishes regarding the handing of property. Familiarizing yourself with Washington’s probate laws can also guide your estate planning decisions, so feel free to enlist the guidance of an experienced and trusted Spokane estate planning attorney for more detailed information and support.
Trusts
Any trust that you have already established should still be valid in Washington after you relocate. It’s still a good idea to review the contents of the trust and make any updates that reflect the impact of the relocation. For instance, you may want to add the new property you have recently purchased in Washington to the trust as part of the assets held within the trust. For more information about creating or updating trusts in Washington state, reach out to a skilled and supportive estate planning lawyer today.
Advance Directives
If you have an advance healthcare directive (or its equivalent in another state), these documents are worth revisiting to make sure that they reflect your most current needs and preferences. States vary in the types of healthcare preferences of lifesaving assistance options they offer, so it’s worth reviewing your current documents or drafting new ones that align with Washington state’s forms, provisions, language, and options.
Asset Titling and Beneficiary Designations
Passing away without a will in Washington state means that the probate court will follow the state’s intestate succession laws. Although these laws attempt to reflect the ways in which most people would prefer to have their estate handled and distributed upon their death, the only way to ensure that your vision for your legacy is carried out is to put these preferences in your will. Moreover, relocating to Washington provides you with a window of opportunity during which you can review your beneficiary designations to ensure that they still work for you. If you have welcomed a new family member or relocated in order to begin a new life with someone, now is the time to update your estate plan to reflect these changes.
The Benefits of Working With a Local Estate Planning Attorney
As you take a look at your current estate plan, it’s natural for questions to arise about the impact of relocating to Washington and how this move may or may not protect the best interests of you and your family. That’s why partnering with a local Spokane estate planning lawyer is highly recommended. With a skilled and experienced estate planning professional by your side to answer your questions and address your concerns, you can feel confident that the protections you are putting in place will support you and your family in the years to come. The last thing you want is to find yourself embroiled in a contentious and costly legal dispute because the estate planning documents from another state were too broad or vague to sufficiently protect you. By taking the time to update your estate plan now, you are clearing the way for a smoother and more stable future for you and your loved ones.
Do you have questions about the estate planning process? The dedicated legal team at Kristina Mattson Law is here to help you evaluate your options and identify the most strategic path forward. We encourage you to contact our Spokane, Washington office today at (509) 998-6629 to get started with an experienced and caring estate planning attorney.
