Moving from one state to another brings a lot of practical changes. New schools, new roads, even new tax rules. In all of that, it is easy to forget about your estate plan. If you signed your will in another state and now live in Michigan, it is natural to wonder if that will is still valid here. Many families assume that a will works anywhere, but that is not always true.
Talking with an estate planning attorney in Oakland County can help you see what parts of your old will might be perfectly fine and which sections could cause problems. State laws differ, and sometimes small differences lead to bigger challenges down the road. We regularly guide families through reviews like this, and you are not alone if you are unsure. This article breaks down what Michigan law says about out-of-state wills, where complications can show up, and how a local review can keep your wishes strong.
What Makes a Will Valid in Michigan
Michigan has a few basic requirements for a valid will. The person making the will must be at least 18 years old and mentally able to make decisions. The will needs to be written and signed by the person it belongs to. Most of the time, there must also be two witness signatures, by people who watched as the will was signed.
The good news for newcomers is that Michigan often recognizes wills created in other states. If your previous state’s rules were followed at the time your will was signed, Michigan usually allows it. This can mean less stress for families who moved and have not updated their estate papers yet.
Still, there are risks with relying on documents from another state. Each place has its own standards. Maybe the witness rules differ, or maybe your old will was handwritten. These differences can turn a “technically valid” will into one that is hard—or slow—to use in Michigan courts. It is in that tricky space between “legal on paper” and “practical in use” where families get stuck.
Kata Law PLLC routinely reviews out-of-state documents for newly relocated families to check for compliance with Michigan requirements and suggest updates when needed.
When an Out-of-State Will May Not Hold Up
Some out-of-state wills do not line up with Michigan’s rules or fit your life after a move. An example is handwritten wills that are not witnessed. Some states permit them, but Michigan has strict rules. If the whole will is not written and signed by hand, it may be challenged or ignored here.
Sometimes, an out-of-state will lists property that is gone or names guardians who no longer live nearby. This causes confusion or slows down the process when your family needs fast answers. Even the wording in an old will can make things tricky. What was clear elsewhere may confuse a Michigan probate judge or require more explanation.
When a will does not match Michigan law, the court may become involved to clarify wishes or settle disputes. That leads to more waiting, paperwork, and extra legal costs during an already challenging time.
Why It’s Smart to Review Your Will After Moving
Moving means more than packing boxes or changing addresses. It can affect your whole estate plan from legal language to who actually acts on your behalf.
For example, some people have representatives or banks named in their will who now live in a different state—or who do not meet Michigan’s requirements. Guardianship choices might also shift. Maybe your support system has changed since moving or your child’s needs are different in Michigan.
Property and tax laws vary from state to state. A will written to match your last home’s laws may not cover everything the right way in Michigan. Local guidelines for inheritance, guardianship, or taxes can change how your old will is read.
Having an estate planning attorney in Oakland County review your entire plan helps spot problems early. Whether it is updating key clauses, naming new guardians, or suggesting ways to adjust your plan for Michigan’s rules, a local review gives real peace of mind.
Working a Will into a Larger Michigan-Based Plan
A will is often the first step, but it is rarely the only step your family needs in Michigan. Families with young children often need more protection, like a revocable living trust, to help them avoid court, keep decisions private, and make sure funds are used wisely for kids as they grow.
If your will comes from another state or does not work well with Michigan law, integrating it into a local plan can make everything fit together. This does not mean throwing out what you have. It may just mean adding a trust, updating beneficiary designations, or reviewing how you want your assets managed for your family’s needs today.
Kata Law PLLC helps families connect out-of-state wills with newer trusts and Michigan-approved documents to create a strong plan without having to start over.
Peace of Mind Starts With Local Clarity
Michigan honors many out-of-state wills, but that does not guarantee a simple process. Old rules, missing witnesses, and language that no longer fits can slow things down when you need stability the most.
Taking a fresh look at your documents after a move helps prevent surprises, delays, and future court visits. It is a small investment for long-term comfort. Making sure your plan matches your current life, location, and laws means your family stays protected, your wishes are honored, and you can move forward with confidence—no matter where your story started.
Just moved to Michigan? It's a smart time to check whether your estate plan still fits your family’s goals. Meeting with an estate planning attorney in Oakland County can help you make sure everything is still in the right place. At Kata Law PLLC, we guide families through the steps to keep their plans current, clear, and ready for whatever comes next.
