Imagine you're standing at the airport, ticket in hand, excited for a long-awaited vacation in Tokyo. In the rush to pack, did you remember to check your estate plan? 

Whether you review or create one before a trip or mention it during a family reunion, estate planning is as important as packing your ID. 

Why You Should Review or Create an Estate Plan Before Summer Travel

Summer often brings milestones like graduations or weddings. They can affect your guardianship choices, beneficiary designations, or trust distributions. Use your trip as a reminder to check whether your estate plan still reflects your current family situation. 

In case something happens, having an estate plan in place gives you comfort in knowing your assets and loved ones are protected. It frees you to savor new sights and experiences without leaving loose ends for your family to tie together.  

Before any major trips, review:

1. Wills, trusts (if applicable), and beneficiaries. For instance, a traveler might add a brief amendment to their will to specify how proceeds from a property sale would be distributed. If the unexpected happens, this simple step can prevent confusion and disputes later. 
2. Your living will or advance directive for health-care (including HIPAA authorization) and financial power of attorney.
3. Any guardianship agreements or references to guardianship in your will. Without a guardian in place, if you or your partner become incapacitated, courts could decide who cares for your children.

Then, get your documents ready before you hit the road: 

1. Take copies of your power of attorney and living will with you (on paper or via a health app or portal). In an emergency, it helps your medical providers reach your chosen agents.
2. Organize and share your estate plan. Tell your personal representative, trustee, or agent under power of attorney where to find your documents; include a copy of your itinerary, how to reach you, and any passwords to digital accounts.
3. If you're traveling with any children, bring a copy of their birth or adoption certificates.
4. Take inventories of any deeds and insurance policies.
5. If you own pets, you may also want to make plans to provide care for them when you can’t.
6. Review your travel and health insurance to ensure your designated medical agent can access coverage information quickly. You might include a laminated card in your wallet that lists your medical agent's name, phone number, and the policy number for your travel insurance.

Discussing Estate Planning at Summer Family Gatherings

A family reunion or backyard barbecue is an ideal time to host an informal conversation. It gives you a chance to discuss:

• Your estate plans and the roles of your personal representative and agent.
• Decisions about who inherits heirlooms or other assets.
• Plans for passing down a family camp, vacation home, or cottage. Discuss ground rules: Who pays for upkeep? Who decides when to sell? You might even schedule a short meeting -- at the location itself -- so everyone signs off on the rules before a crisis. 

Summer events can inspire you to act on estate planning. Before you pack your bags, pack your estate plan -- because it's one thing you don't want to leave home without. 

If you have questions about travel and estate planning, contact us online or call (207) 377-6966 for reassurance before you hit the road.