I just came back from a beautiful trip to the Mediterranean, and while I was soaking up the sun and enjoying some much-needed time away with friends and family, it reminded me of something I often tell my clients as an experienced Los Angeles estate lawyer:
Travel season is one of the best times to revisit your estate plan. Now, I know that may not be the most glamorous pre-vacation checklist item, but before you pack your bags and head off to Greece or Asia or Mexico for a few weeks this summer,, there are a few important legal to-do’s that can provide serious peace of mind.
One of the most common questions I hear is: “Should I make a will before I travel?” And my honest answer is: if you do not already have an estate plan in place, then yes, especially if you have children, property, or anyone depending on you financially. Here are the Top Four Things I recommend clients handle before traveling this summer:
1. Make Sure You Have a Will or Trust in Place
Traveling should be exciting, not stressful. But let’s face it, unexpected things can happen anytime, anywhere. Having a valid estate plan ensures that if something unforeseen occurs:
- Your loved ones know your wishes
- Your assets are distributed properly
- Your family avoids unnecessary legal complications
As a Los Angeles estate lawyer, I can confidently say that having even a basic estate plan is far better than having none at all.
2. Update Your Advance Healthcare Directive
If a medical emergency were to happen while traveling, who would make decisions for you? An Advance Healthcare Directive allows someone you trust to step in if you are unable to communicate your wishes. It’s one of the most overlooked, but most important, estate planning documents I prepare for clients.
3. Make Sure Your Powers of Attorney Are Current
If something happened while you were away and someone needed to handle your finances, business affairs, or legal matters, would they be able to? A Durable Power of Attorney ensures the right person can manage those matters without needing court involvement.
4. Review Guardianship Nominations for Parents
If you have young children, summer travel is the perfect reminder to make sure your guardianship designations are current and clearly documented. So many parents assume that their family “just knows” what to do. But I’m here to tell you that assumptions are not legal protection.
Estate planning is not about expecting something bad to happen, but it’s more about preparing ahead of time so you can enjoy life – and summer vacation – more fully. At Best Coast Estate Law, I always tell clients that the goal of estate planning is peace of mind. When your legal affairs are in order, you can board that plane and actually relax. If you’ve been wondering whether you should finally make a will before traveling, call me for a free consultation. Before your next trip, take an hour to make sure your future is protected.
