Do You Need To Update Your Will If You Move to Tennessee?

does it matter if a will has old address

Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. If you’ve recently moved here from out of state, it’s important to update your will and estate plan. Hiring a Tennessee probate attorney helps provide much-needed expert assistance to ensure that your legacy is protected.

When moving to Tennessee, updating legal documents is vital to ensure compliance with state laws and avoid complications. This includes revising your will to reflect changes in assets and beneficiaries while aligning with Tennessee’s legal requirements. Johnson, Murrell & Associates offers expert guidance to help you through this process.

Legal Documents To Update When Moving 

When moving to Tennessee or any new state, updating legal documents such as the power of attorney (POA) and healthcare directives is essential. A POA allows someone to manage your financial or legal affairs while healthcare directives outline your medical preferences and designate a decision-maker if you’re incapacitated. 

These documents must comply with state-specific laws and requirements for validity. This is because rules such as notarization or witness rules can vary from state to state. 

Local healthcare systems also differ, impacting how directives are implemented. Updating your documents ensures your wishes are enforceable and adapted to your new state’s legal and medical framework, avoiding complications during critical moments.

Updating Your Will in Tennessee

Do you need to update your will if you move to Tennessee? You should update your will whenever you go through a major life change. Relocating often brings changes to assets, such as buying a new home, which should be reflected in your estate plan. Updating your will ensures compliance with state laws and prevents conflicts, protecting your loved ones and assets. 

Addressing assets and property changes

Relocating often involves acquiring or selling real estate, such as a new home, or opening financial accounts tied to your new location. These changes must be reflected in your estate planning to ensure the proper distribution of assets after you pass. For example, a newly purchased property or a local bank account in Tennessee should be included in your will to avoid confusion and ensure compliance with state laws.

Beneficiary designations

You may move for a number of different reasons, such as: 

  • Marriage 
  • A new job
  • Divorce 

Updating your will after moving ensures beneficiary designations on accounts, like insurance policies and retirement plans, align with your current wishes and state laws. Regular reviews and updates ensure that your estate plan accurately reflects your intentions and protects your loved ones.

Legal differences across state lines

While most states recognize wills validly executed in another state, the process can be complicated by differences in: 

  • Probate codes 
  • Property laws 
  • Execution requirements 

For example, certain provisions in your will may conflict with your new state’s rules, potentially delaying probate or invalidating parts of the document. Updating your will helps prevent these issues by making it compliant with local laws, streamlining estate administration, and protecting your assets and beneficiaries.

Steps To Update Your Will After Moving 

Updating your will after moving involves three key steps. First, locate your current will and other legal documents to review their contents. This ensures that you have the most recent versions. 

Next, identify any changes in assets, like new property or accounts, and beneficiaries. You should also determine if any state-specific requirements may affect your estate plan. 

Finally, consult with a Tennessee probate attorney. This helps ensure that your will: 

  • Complies with Tennessee laws 
  • Reflects your current wishes 
  • Addresses any new circumstances 

A legal professional who specializes in the probate process can guide you in revising your will and updating related documents. This helps to protect your legacy while streamlining probate.

How a TN Probate Attorney Can Help 

A Tennessee probate attorney has expertise in estate laws to help update your will after moving. They ensure compliance with local regulations while addressing state-specific considerations. Their tailored guidance for unique situations ensures that your estate plan reflects your needs. Additionally, they protect your assets by assisting with revising trusts and navigating probate.

Expertise in Tennessee estate laws

A Tennessee probate attorney can provide invaluable assistance when updating your will after moving here. Their expertise in Tennessee estate laws ensures your will complies with local regulations, such as specific requirements for: 

  • Signing 
  • Witnessing 
  • Notarization

A local probate lawyer can review your existing will to identify any provisions that conflict with Tennessee laws. They can then revise it to address state-specific considerations, such as property ownership rules or probate processes. 

Tailored advice for your situation

Another benefit of a Tennessee probate attorney is tailored guidance to help you update your will when moving to the state. They offer personalized advice for unique circumstances, such as blended families or complex estates, ensuring your estate plan reflects your specific needs. 

Attorneys can also assist with additional services like revising trusts to comply with Tennessee laws and navigating the probate process efficiently. Their expertise ensures your will is legally sound, protects your assets, and addresses any complexities arising from your new location or family structure.

Protect Your Legacy with Johnson, Murrell & Associates

Updating your will and legal documents after moving to Tennessee is essential to ensure compliance with state laws and protect your assets. However, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help when updating these documents. 

With over 40 years of expertise in navigating complex legal matters, Johnson, Murrell & Associates is your top choice for estate planning and probate in East Tennessee. Our attorneys provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, including revising wills, trusts, and other documents to align with Tennessee regulations. 

With deep knowledge of local laws and a commitment to outstanding service, Johnson, Murrell & Associates gives you peace of mind and safeguards your legacy by simplifying the estate planning and probate processes.

Call-to-action to contact Johnson, Murrell & Associates for help with probate

When moving to Tennessee, updating legal documents like power of attorney and healthcare directives is vital to ensure compliance with state laws and avoid complications. Revising your will is also essential to reflect changes in assets and beneficiaries while aligning with state legal requirements. Johnson, Murrell & Associates offers expert guidance to protect your legacy.


When you choose Johnson, Murrell, & Associates, you are choosing a team that understands how legal issues affect you, your family, and your business. Let us take care of administering your loved one’s estate and probating their will so it goes into effect, upholding their wishes. For more information on how we can help you through the probate process call us at 865-453-1091 or contact us online.

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Alex Johnson

Alex Johnson is a partner at Johnson, Murrell & Associates specializing in probate law. He is a University of Tennessee College of Law graduate, and his experience includes serving on the Leadership Tomorrow Advisory Board, the Sevierville Commons Association, and the Board of Directors for the United Way of Sevier County.