Q: Do I need to update my will after moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia and changing real estate assets?
I moved from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Harrisonburg, Virginia. My will, which was created 10 years ago, has not been updated since. I've recently sold my house in Pennsylvania and purchased a new one in Virginia. Do I need to update my will because of this move and the change in my real estate assets?
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A:
It’s a good thing you’re thinking ahead—moving to a new state and changing your real estate holdings are both strong reasons to revisit your will. While wills created in one state are generally valid in another, each state has its own laws about property, probate, and even spousal rights. Since you've sold your home in Pennsylvania and now own a new one in Virginia, your will should reflect those updates to make sure everything goes to the right people without confusion.
If your current will specifically refers to the old Pennsylvania property, or includes outdated instructions or names of people or assets that have changed, updating it will help avoid delays or disputes later on. Virginia also has different rules about how real estate is passed through probate, and updating your will to follow those guidelines can make things easier for your loved ones.
You’ve already taken the big steps by making the move and managing your property—now it’s just about making sure your will matches your life as it is today. A clear, up-to-date will gives peace of mind and avoids problems down the road. You’re doing the right thing by taking this seriously.
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