Summer is here and it is time for vacation! … Well almost.
Before going on your family getaway, it is important to have an estate plan. We know you are probably more concerned about your towel, sunscreen, and flip flops, (let’s be honest, we’re pretty concerned about those things on our vacations too) but if the worst happens and an accident occurs on your trip, you will want to have a plan in place. A thorough estate plan will not only protect you but also protect your family if anything happens to you and you are unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes.
The best way to prepare is by meeting with an estate planning attorney and designing a plan that will protect your family and their unique situations. While you will certainly want to have some documents before your trip such as a power of attorney, health care proxy, living will, will and revocable trust, documents alone cannot take care of your family in the event something happens. This is why it is so important to meet with an attorney who understands holistic estate planning and how to align your assets with your plan as well as account for any unique circumstances that you and your loved ones may have. A comprehensive estate plan will ensure that your wishes are carried out the way you want them to be and will put someone that you trust in charge of communicating your healthcare wishes, financial decisions, and legal matters if you are unable to do this yourself.
Be sure to come in and review your plan, or create one if you don’t already have it, before traveling to make sure your plan is as up-to-date and effective as possible. Give our office a call if you’d like to set up a review meeting or to begin your estate planning with a complementary consultation before your summer travels.