Kendall and Bexar County Estate Planning
Texas Estate Planning Blog
Shawn McCammon is the founder and managing shareholder of McCammon Law. Shawn has been practicing for over 20 years, starting off in litigation before working in-house as a corporate attorney, and finally opening his own firm in 2009.
Are you planning your next big vacation? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended international trip, preparing your legal documents is just as important as packing your bags. At McCammon Law, we help Texas families make sure they—and their loved ones—are protected no matter where life takes them. As a trusted will and trust attorney in San Antonio, I want to share a few critical items to address before you leave.
An estate plan isn't just for the elderly—it's for anyone who wants to protect their family, property, and personal wishes. At its core, an estate plan outlines who will make decisions for you if you can’t, who inherits your assets, and how those assets are handled.
A last will and testament allows you to:
But keep in mind: a will must go through probate, which can be costly, time-consuming, and public.
If you’d rather avoid probate and ensure a smoother transition, a revocable living trust might be right for you. With a trust, your accounts and property are either retitled in the name of the trust or designated to pass to the trust upon your death. You still retain control while you’re alive—and if something happens to you, a successor trustee can step in without the need for court involvement.
A trust becomes effective as soon as it’s signed, and unlike a will, it functions while you're living and after you’re gone. If you’re unsure which is right for you, a will and trust attorney in San Antonio can help you decide based on your specific situation.
Even if you already have a plan in place, it’s wise to review it regularly—especially before traveling. Ask yourself:
If you have a trust, confirm that assets meant to be owned by the trust are properly transferred. A mismatch between your plan and your assets can cause delays or unintended results.
If you’re overseas, it could be difficult—or even impossible—to manage routine financial tasks. That’s where a durable financial power of attorney comes in. This document allows someone you trust to:
You can decide whether the power begins immediately or only when you become incapacitated. For travelers, immediate access can be a smart move in case a quick decision needs to be made.
No one plans to get sick or injured on vacation—but it can happen. Before you leave, make sure you have the following:
These forms can be state-specific, so check whether they’ll be recognized in the country you’re visiting. You may also want to consider travel health insurance if your regular policy doesn’t provide international coverage.
Life insurance is a key part of any estate plan, especially before high-risk travel. Be sure to:
You might also consider travel insurance to cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, or unexpected emergencies abroad.
If you have young children, extra steps are needed to protect them during your travels:
Long-term, you should name a guardian in your last will and testament or through a formal guardian nomination. A will and trust attorney in San Antonio can ensure these documents are legally valid and aligned with Texas law.
Preparing for travel is about more than booking hotels—it’s about peace of mind. At McCammon Law, we understand the unique concerns families face before a trip. Request a consultation to let us help you review or create an estate plan that travels with you.
Boerne/San Antonio Office
138 Old San Antonio Rd.
Suite 504
Boerne, TX 78006