Updating estate plans after moving

Between packing, finding a new place to live and getting an updated driver’s license, moving to a new state can be an exhausting experience. Regardless of how focused someone might be when moving to Texas, the sheer number of matters to attend to can still make it easy to overlook some. For example, many people forget to review their estate plans after moving across state lines.

Selecting a trusted friend or relative to act as executor is a fairly standard part of estate planning. Just because someone is well suited for the task does not mean that he or she is still a good choice after moving, as having an out-of-state executor could make things unnecessarily complicated. After moving, it may be best to select a new executor.

Naming new individuals for health care and financial powers of attorney also makes sense. Having someone try to make important medical decisions or manage finances from another state can be a logistical nightmare. The time it may take for an out-of-state health care power of attorney to receive medical information and then make a decision could have unintended or even life or death consequences, too.

It is a good idea to revisit estate planning after any major life change, like moving, getting married or getting divorced. Updating estate plans can be difficult for those who are in the midst of other significant life events, though. This is why it may be helpful to work closely with an attorney who is experienced with Texas estate planning laws.