Planning A Summer Vacation? Update Your Estate Plan Before You Go

Your ideal summer vacation may include the beach, the mountains or somewhere in the heart of action. You plan what you’ll wear, how much money you’ll need and who will watch your house while you’re gone. But don’t forget one essential item: you’ll want to update your estate plan before leaving for your summer vacation. If you are away from home and suddenly have an emergency, it is helpful to know all your documents are current and up to date.

Update Your Estate Plan Before Your Summer Vacation

An estate plan includes more than a will or trust. We never want to think about possibly dying while on vacation (but it does happen). But there are also other documents you want to ensure are updated before you go.

• Will or Trust – If the worst-case scenario happens and you pass away while on vacation, you’ll want to ensure everything is current. It is best to:
  • review beneficiaries
  • add or delete assets
  • name a guardian for your minor child
• Healthcare directive – If you are injured while on vacation, a healthcare directive tells the medical staff and your loved ones your medical wishes, such as:
  • the level of care you want – only CPR, no blood transfusions, dialysis
  • do you have a DNR (do not resuscitate)
  • do you believe in organ donation
• Power of Attorney – While you are on vacation, you may need someone at home who can make financial or legal decisions for you
  • if you are gone for a longer period of time; perhaps you need someone to pay your bills
  • if you are in the process of selling your home, you can appoint someone to sign paperwork on your behalf
  • if you are injured and unconscious, your power of attorney will allow someone to take care of your business for you

These are some basic documents that make up an estate plan. But at a minimum, they are items you want to view and update at least every 3-5 years or after a life-changing event.

Working With An Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

Working with an experienced estate planning attorney who understands you and your unique situation is incredibly important. Helping you periodically update your estate plan is something that you and your lawyer can work on together. This keeps them informed of your current and final wishes. And if you are on vacation, they can immediately access your important documents.

An estate planning attorney can be involved or hands-off with your information. It’s up to you to be comfortable with the level of inclusion you give while working with them. So, whether traveling internationally or staying close to home, it is important to update your estate plan before you go.

Oak Brook Estate Planning Attorney

When you are ready to update your estate plan before traveling, discuss your wishes with an estate planning attorney. Schedule a consultation with the experienced attorneys at  Estate and Probate Legal Group. Contact Us here or call  630-864-5835.

AREAS WE SERVE: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties.