Can an out of state Will be accepted in another state?
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Can an out of state Will be accepted in another state?
Asked on December 28, 2011 under Estate Planning, Connecticut
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, your out of state Will is valid in your new state of residence so long as it was executed according to the laws of the state where you previously resided. That having been said, even if your Will is valid in your new home state, it is important to have it reviewed. Due to differing state laws you may want to execute a new one. For example, if there are restrictions on who can be named to serve as your executor.
Note: A Will is good indefinitely or at least until it is revoked. However, based on life changes (death, divorce, the birth of a child, etc.) you may want to periodically update your Will. This can be done via an amendment known as a "codicil" (this works best if the changes are minor) or by executing a new Will entirely (if the changes are more extensive).
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