Thursday, December 16, 2010

Houston Wills Lawyer Offers Important Considerations for Snowbird Season

‘It’s the time of year…time for all the snowbirds to take flight,’ says Houston Wills Lawyer

By: Kimberly Hegwood, Wills Lawyer in Houston

Snowbirds are traditionally known as people who take flight every winter heading south to a warmer climate.  However, in today’s mobile society, more and more retired people reside in more than one state during the year for reasons other than the weather.  Who can resist those grandchildren?!

If you fall into the “snowbird” category, it is important for you to think about whether your estate plan is going to work for you as you planned.  When it comes to planning for a duel residence client, it is important to address issues and develop a plan that will work effectively in both states.

Most people are aware of how critical it is to have up-to-date advance medical directives, durable power of attorney, designation of a health care advocate and a living will.  However, what you may not know is that each state has its own set of laws and rules which may mean that your documents won’t work as you planned in another state.  Even if the documents meet the technical requirements of the other state, a hospital or doctor may not choose to honor the documents which may mean your decisions regarding end-of-life or disability care may not be honored.

If you are a dual resident, it is important to talk with an experienced Houston estate planning attorney so that they can provide specific direction regarding individual state requirements. So if your will or trust was created before you owned property in another state, be sure to call and make an appointment with your Houston wills attorney to go over your will or trust to make sure that it will work just as you planned.