{"id":1903,"date":"2021-04-21T23:24:44","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T23:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-estate-planning\/?p=1903"},"modified":"2024-10-25T22:20:55","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T22:20:55","slug":"will-written-in-one-state-valid-in-another","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-estate-planning\/blog\/will-written-in-one-state-valid-in-another\/","title":{"rendered":"Is A Will Written In One State Valid In Another?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

From obtaining a new driver\u2019s license to updating your voter registration, moving to a new state means you need to update a lot of your personal information to avoid costly fines and tickets. While most individuals remember to update their personal information in a timely manner, one crucial document that people tend to forget about updating is their last will and testament<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Estate planning documents are essential for controlling the distribution of your property and assets, but they need to be up-to-date and in compliance with the laws of whichever state you live in. This means that before moving to a new state, it is imperative that you work with an experienced estate planning attorney to update your will and ensure it will be entirely valid.<\/p>\n

What Is A Last Will and Testament?<\/h2>\n

A last will and testament is a legal document that explains when and how your beneficiaries will inherit your property and assets after you have passed away. In addition to this, your will also names an executor whose role is to be in charge of settling your final affairs and assisting with the dispersion of your property and assets.<\/p>\n

If you die without a will, it means that you have died intestate. When this occurs, the intestacy laws of the state you reside in determine how and when your property and assets will be distributed after your death. This means that instead of honoring your wishes and dispersing your assets as you would have, a court will take the liberty of doing so according to their discretion.<\/p>\n

Requirements for a Will<\/h2>\n

Will requirements are set by state law, and your will must follow the requirements set forth by the state in which you live. Typically, these rules govern aspects of wills, such as how many witnesses must sign the will and exactly where they must sign and witness the documents. While this may seem trivial, if your will does not follow the state\u2019s rules, it may be considered invalid.<\/p>\n

If your will is invalidated, your beneficiaries will have to go through probate to ensure they receive your property. Probate can be extremely time-consuming and expensive, so be sure to update your will if you are moving to a new state.<\/p>\n

The following are some of the most common reasons for a will to be invalidated when moving to a new state:<\/p>\n