If you have an estate plan but are planning to retire in Florida, the one thing that you should be ready to do is to update that plan when you move to the state.
Estate planning documents are typically valid in the state where they were created and may transfer, but the language may not be the same. As a result, it’s a good idea to update the estate plan to be sure it is in line with Florida’s requirements.
Moving states should trigger an estate plan review
Estate planning laws aren’t the same between states. There are some minor differences that might seem trivial on paper, but when you really get into how the new laws could impact your estate, you could see that changes are essential.
There are also some things you may want to change to make executing your estate plan easier. For example, if your executor is now in another state, you may want to choose someone new to take over that role in your new state. If you have a health care proxy in another state, you may want to add a different version for Florida.
Since the intestate succession laws also vary by state, you should go over the state’s method of passing on property if your will or trust doesn’t cover all of your assets. If you don’t agree with the arrangement, then you can take some time to adjust your estate plan to suit the new conditions.
Finally, you need to update your estate plan to reflect your new residence. That way, anyone who needs to contact you or the estate has the right information available to them in the future.
Get the support you need
It’s a good idea to know where to turn when you’re in a new state. You may be young enough that you’ll need to update your estate plan a few times in the future or reaching a stage where you want it to be finalized. Whatever the case may be, it is worth finding someone you trust and can turn to in your new state, so you get the legal support you need.