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Modern Estate Planning Blog

Elder Law & Special Needs Planning

Do I Need A New Estate Plan If I Move to a New State?

January 18, 2017

If I had to pick one question that I am asked the most, I’d have to say this one ranks way up there…

Do I need a new estate plan if I move out of California?

Just like the answer to most estate planning questions, the answer is “it depends.” However, this one has a pretty simple explanation.

All estate plans should include these basic documents; a will, a healthcare directive, a financial power of attorney and guardian nominations if you have minor children. These documents are state specific and will need to be updated in accordance with your new state law requirements.

However…

Many estate plans also include a trust. A trust is a legal document that allows a third party (called a trustee) to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary. Trusts can be set up in many ways and allows you to specify exactly how and when your assets pass to your beneficiaries.

If you have a trust, it is a contract and as such is valid in any state. This means that if you change your state of residence, it does not necessarily need to be updated simply because you moved to another state.

However… (yes another one)

Some states have a state-specific estate tax. If your new state of residence has an estate tax, you may need to plan for it depending on your net worth.

California does not have an estate tax.  Therefore, there is no need for us to consider this as we plan for you.

If you move from California, you will need to check with an estate planning attorney in your new state of residence to determine if your trust needs to be updated.  If you need a referral to an estate planning attorney near you to get the process started, please contact us at (916) 241-9661.

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I was absolutely without a clue as to how to begin or what I should do to establish an estate plan. I did know that I wanted someone I could trust, that was honest and I would have confidence in. I was referred to Heather by my friend who was being legally advised by Heather on another estate. She was very satisfied with her work and thought I might be happy with her service. At our consultation appointment, her presentation was very thorough. I had lots of questions, and she was easy to talk to and was able to guide me to just the kind of estate plan I needed. That was 10 years ago. Due to circumstances in my life, I have had to make changes to my plan, and I always go back to her for her legal services and guidance. I have recommended Heather before.
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