Home › About The Firm › Blog › Should You Update Your Will After Buying a Home in Rochester?
Published May 1st, 2025 by Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C
Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones in life—and one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. Whether you’ve purchased your first house in Rochester, a vacation property near the lakes, or a new residence in Brockport, it’s not just your address that needs updating.
Your will needs updating too.
At Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C., we help clients across Monroe, Orleans, and Genesee Counties ensure that their estate plans reflect important life changes, especially major asset purchases like a new home. Here’s why you should update your will after buying property and how doing so protects your family and your future.
When you buy a home, you are adding a significant asset to your personal estate. If your will doesn’t mention it—or if your estate plan hasn’t been updated recently—your home could be distributed through default state laws rather than according to your wishes.
Updating your will ensures that:
Failing to update your estate plan can lead to costly probate complications and even family disagreements.
Protect your new home with a will update—schedule a consultation today.
When wills are not updated after major life events like buying a home, problems often arise, including:
Your new home deserves to be addressed properly in your estate plan. Don't leave it to chance.
We can help you update your plan easily and affordably.
When you buy a home, it’s not just your will that might need an adjustment. You should also review and possibly update:
A full estate review ensures all your documents are working together to protect your family, your property, and your intentions.
Talk to our team at Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C. today to schedule a full estate checkup.
Depending on your goals, you may want to go beyond just updating your will.
Some homeowners place their property into a revocable living trust to:
This approach can offer greater privacy and reduce the time and costs associated with transferring property after death.
Not sure whether a trust is right for you?
Contact us today—we’ll explain your options in plain English.
Immediately after closing is ideal. You’ve finalized the transaction, and the property is officially part of your assets—making it the perfect time to ensure your estate plan reflects your updated financial situation.
Other good opportunities to review your estate plan include:
Estate planning is not a one-time event. It’s a living process that grows with you—and your home is now an important part of that.
Buying a home is a major achievement—but protecting it is just as important.
At Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C., we help Rochester-area homeowners update wills, create trusts, and build estate plans that provide peace of mind for the future.
Don't risk leaving your most valuable asset unprotected.
Contact us today to schedule an estate planning consultation.
This article provides general information about estate planning and real estate law in New York State and should not be considered legal advice. Every situation is unique. For personalized legal guidance, contact Klafehn, Heise & Johnson P.L.L.C. in Rochester, NY. You can reach us here. Portions of this article may be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING under the New York State Unified Court System Rules of Professional Conduct (22 NYCRR Part 1200). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Portions of this website are considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING under the New York State Unified Court System Rules of Professional Conduct (22 NYCRR Part 1200). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We reserve all intellectual property rights in any proprietary content contained in this website.
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