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I just moved to North Carolina; do I need to update my will?

On Behalf of | Feb 9, 2023 | Estate Planning |

Some people move to North Carolina later in life because its warmer climate is easier on aging bodies than the harsh winters up north. Many people will come to North Carolina for family purposes or to pursue careers.

Regardless of when you come to North Carolina, you will eventually become a resident of the state as opposed to the state where you previously lived if you stay for long enough. At that point, almost every aspect of your life, from your insurance requirements to your estate when you die, will be subject to North Carolina laws.

Does relocating to North Carolina necessitate an immediate review of your estate plan?

Your existing plan does not become automatically invalid

People sometimes think they must rework their estate planning documents when they move because the laws will be vastly different in the new state where they move. There are certain scenarios in which that may be true, depending on the contents of someone’s estate plan and the laws in the state where they move.

North Carolina, however, has probate laws that largely align with practices in most other states. From the requirement of witnesses when someone signs testamentary documents to the rights of family members if someone dies without a will, most of the practices in North Carolina are similar to those in other states. Therefore, you can trust that the documents you drafted elsewhere will still adequately serve their purpose in North Carolina.

Of course, the chances are good that other aspects of your life beyond just your address will change after the move as well. From the size of your family to the property that you own, many aspects of your situation could change when you move or as a result of your move.

Those changes to your family and property might warrant a revision of your estate plan. You may need to remove certain assets or add beneficiaries to your documents. Especially if you have retired or are on the cusp of doing so, making sure you have all the documents in place for your own protection as you age is a smart step.

Discussing your recent household changes can help you make any necessary updates to your estate plan.

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