So you've moved to Texas. Now what? Do your estate planning documents from another state still work? Should they be updated? The answer is that it depends, but it's probably a good idea to update your documents. Wills from another state may have different language and may not provide for independent administration in regards to probate. As a result, it's probably in your best interest to update those docs so that they can move through the Texas probate process in the most expedient manner. Your living trust should be fine in all 50 states, but if your living trust is older, then it might just be time to update the document anyways, especially in light of some of the tax changes that have occurred about 5 years ago. Many financial institutions already do not like to accept

durable powers of attorney, so it's probably a good idea to have the best power of attorney that you can find and to ask your pertinent institutions if they will accept your power of attorney should the need arise. Further, there are great benefits to having assets in your living trust with appropriate provisions so that your durable power of attorney may not even come into play. In summary, while it may not always be necessary, it's not a bad idea to consider having your documents updated from both a state perspective and to take into account the most relevant provisions which may not have been included in your older documents. by Mike Massey, JD, MBA, MPA your Austin Wills & Trust Attorney for Affordable Estate Planning