How to Plan Your Estate With Assets or Family Members Living in Different States

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Last Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

Hit the thumbs up button and subscribe because we release new content all the time! One of the things that’s unique about our estate planning practice is our focus on domestic multi-jurisdictional issues. So, what does that even mean? It can mean a lot of different things depending on the client’s circumstances.

Let’s use a hypothetical scenario. Say mom and dad live in Texas, and they have a family business located in Pennsylvania. They have three kids: one in Florida, another in California, and the third in New York. They also own real estate in Wyoming—maybe it’s a second home where they like to cool off during the summer or go skiing in the winter. As you can see, multiple jurisdictions are coming into play here.

Not every state has the same tax laws, trust laws, probate laws, or asset protection statutes. Depending on where you’re passing an inheritance, there could be estate tax, inheritance tax, and various other factors to consider. You also have to think about asset protection laws. Which of these jurisdictions has the strongest asset protection statutes? Maybe some of them don’t even have asset protection statutes at all.

Another thing to look at is whether Dynasty Trust planning is allowed in these jurisdictions. Dynasty Trusts are trusts that can exist indefinitely, which helps keep assets from having to be distributed at some point in the future. This is important because some states have a limit on how long a trust can last. And, of course, you also have to consider all the personal and family dynamics when doing this planning.

Ultimately, you need an attorney to coordinate this entire process—someone who can put a strategy into place and work with attorneys in those local jurisdictions. No single attorney is going to be licensed in all of those states, but you need someone who can bring the entire puzzle together, ensuring that you’re looking at all the key issues and thinking about how to transfer family wealth in a way that makes sense.

We focus on making these plans tax- and asset protection-efficient while also considering family harmony. One of the things we spend a lot of time doing is quarterbacking that entire process and bringing all the players to the table to provide a comprehensive plan for the client.

The Stuart Green Law Approach

A Modern Approach to Family Wealth

Stuart Green Law combines modern South Dakota trust law with integrated estate planning, wealth management, and fiduciary services for families throughout the United States and internationally. The firm’s approach is built around selecting the strongest legal framework available, maintaining continuity of planning judgment, and bringing every part of the family’s wealth strategy into alignment with its long-term objectives.

South Dakota Law,
Wherever You Live

Families are not limited to the trust laws of their home state. Stuart Green Law integrates South Dakota’s sophisticated legal framework into estate plans for clients across the United States and around the world, allowing families to benefit from its privacy, flexibility, asset protection, and long-term trust advantages regardless of where they live.

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Relationships

Stuart Green Law is intentionally structured as a boutique practice. Clients work directly with the attorney responsible for their planning, creating continuity of judgment and a deeper understanding of the family’s objectives as the plan evolves over time.

Planning That Works
as One System

Estate planning, tax strategy, wealth management, and fiduciary services are most effective when they operate together. Stuart Green Law integrates these disciplines into a cohesive framework that keeps the family’s wealth aligned with the grantor’s vision, goals, and long-term planning intent.

Client Testimonials

    
 
 
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   Angélique Pfab Green 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stuart Green is incredibly knowledgeable and clearly operates at a very high level. His approach to estate planning and wealth strategy is thoughtful, modern, and well beyond the traditional. You can tell he genuinely cares about helping people protect what they’ve built. Truly impressive work and reputation.
  
 
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   Maria Cardenas Anderson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with Stuart Green on my trust and will documents. From start to finish, he was incredibly responsive, patient, and thorough. He took the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring I fully understood each step of the process. Even after the trust was complete, he guided me on what still needed to be done — something I really appreciated. Stuart’s professionalism and kind demeanor made what could have been an overwhelming experience so much easier. I felt informed and supported every step of the way. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and attentive probate lawyer. Thank you, Stuart!
  
 
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   katelyn rennie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stuart is outstanding! We have been so impressed with his knowledge.
  
 
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   Chris Stinson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stuart Green is an exceptional estate attorney. He handled my father's living will and then his estate after his passing, as well as helping my mother finalize and complete her estate in conjunction with my father's death. Currently, he is handling the living will and estate planning for me and my wife and our family. I highly recommend him and his integrity of work.
  
 
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   Alejandra 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with Stuart Green Law was a 10/10. They were professional and efficient, resolving my case quickly. I highly recommend them!
  
 
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   Joseph Marchetti 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great guy - honest businessman.  Has been very helpful for me in providing feedback and input from a law perspective on employment and legal agreements in my personal and professional life.  Would heartily recommend Stuart to others!
  
 
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   Will Desrochers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked with Mr. Green for awhile now and can't recommend him highly enough. He is professional and and timely with his responses to my questions. I really appreciate how he helps me understand the plan for my estate. I look forward to continuing to work with him.
  
 
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   Chuma 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve learned a great deal from Stuart on the foundational aspects of estate planning, legacy planning and asset protection. Having had the privilege  to work alongside Stuart, I can also say that he is a top tier counselor and focused on aligning his client’s personal goals with their long term objectives and wishes.
  
 
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   Nick Delsignore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible person to know and be associated with. Stuart provides excellent services, that is undeniable. However you will be hard pressed to find another attorney with a truer moral compass.

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