If you move out-of-state must your Will be re-done?
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If you move out-of-state must your Will be re-done?
Can a Will done in PA for my Dad be changed in FL where he is a resident? Must all executors sign it?
Asked on August 7, 2011 Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
First of all, executors don't need to sign a Will (typically anyone over 18 who is of sound mind can witness). If you move out-of-state, and your Will was executed according to the laws of the state where you previously resided, then that Will is valid in your new state of residence. Yet, even if your out-of-state Will is valid in your new state, it is important to have it reviewed. Due to differing state laws you may wish to execute a new Will. For example, there are restrictions on who can be named to serve as your executor (requirements for that can vary from state-to-state).
Note: A Will is good indefinitely or at least until it is revoked. However, based on changes in life circumstances - death, divorce, the birth of a child, etc - you may want to periodically up-date your Will. This can be done via an amendment to it known as a "codicil". This works best if the changes are minor; if they are more extensive, you may want to have a new Will drafted.
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