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Reviewing your estate plan after moving to Ohio

On Behalf of | Dec 23, 2020 | Estate Planning |

Moving to Ohio can be a fun and exciting experience, but there are also a lot of details to get right. From finding the right job to getting the kids in a good school, new residents might be surprised by just how quickly their attention gets eaten up. While this is understandable, it can lead to problems if someone forgets to review and update his or her estate plan.

An executor is responsible for carrying out another person’s will, so most people choose trusted friends or relatives for this job. However well-suited a chosen executor might be for this job, he or she might not be the right choice anymore after the testator — the person who made the will — moves across state lines. There are many problems associated with having an out of state executor, which can draw out the probate process and turn it into an even longer and costlier experience for loved ones. After moving to Ohio, it is best to select a new executor who is also a state resident.

Just like it is unreasonable to expect matters to proceed smoothly with an out-of-state executor, having out of state powers of attorney can be problematic. When the person named in a health care power of attorney lives in a different state, he or she cannot reasonably provide guidance in a timely manner to physicians when it comes to medical decisions. Living wills may also need to be updated as attending medical experts may be familiar with Ohio state forms, but not those from elsewhere.

Reviewing an estate plan might feel like just another task in a long to do list after moving, but it is not a good idea to procrastinate. Loved ones would be left with a potential mess should one pass away before making important updates. This is why it is a good idea to regularly review one’s estate plan, paying careful attention to details following significant life changes such as moves, marriage or divorce.