Will you need a new Will and other documents if you move to New Jersey?

The Garden State’s beaches and quality of life attract many families looking for a fresh start. Other times, people choose to move to New Jersey to be near family members who already live here or may be moving here in connection with their employment.

Relocating to another state can cause countless issues to arise, such as applying for a new driver’s license and making changes to your health insurance plan. Although you may have an estate plan already in place (e.g., Will, Living Will, or Power of Attorney), your existing documents should be reviewed and updated after moving. Here are three reasons why:

1. State laws differ

Arguably, the best reason to have your estate plan reviewed once you move is to ensure all documents comply with the laws in New Jersey. Each state has unique estate planning laws. If your documents are non-compliant, they may not function as intended and could even be considered invalid when needed.

1. Executor issues

If you move to New Jersey, but your estate executors live in a different state, that could interfere with the efficient execution of your will. Your current executors might not be able to easily fulfill their roles as initially agreed, especially if travel is an issue. You can address any such issues by having your documents reviewed, updated and changed.

1. Medical directives & Powers of Attorney

Nuances in the laws from region to region might render the living will, advance health care directive or power of attorney you created invalid. That means there is a chance that the medical and financial choices outlined in your estate plan may go unfollowed. Have your documents quickly and efficiently reviewed to ensure your wishes will be honored and followed.

For a head start on making sure your plan will meet your needs wherever you live, learn more about the estate planning laws in New Jersey. For additional guidance, contact the lawyers at Mariano & Coiro, P.C. by calling us at 732-860-7620 or emailing us. We’ve been helping people in New Jersey with their estate planning needs for almost 40 years.