Essential Estate Planning Steps Before You Travel

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.

Do You Have a Will or Trust in Place?

What Is the Purpose of a Will or Trust?

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:

• Name a guardian for minor children
• Specify who receives your belongings
• Appoint someone to manage your estate

But keep in mind: a will must go through probate, which can be costly, time-consuming, and public.

What Are the Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust?

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.

Have You Reviewed Your Existing Estate Documents?

Even if you already have a plan in place, it’s wise to review it regularly—especially before traveling. Ask yourself:

• Do your documents still reflect your wishes?
• Have there been major life changes (births, deaths, divorce)?
• Are your financial accounts correctly titled?
• Are all beneficiary designations up to date?

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.

Can Someone Handle Your Finances While You're Away?

Why You May Need a Financial Power of Attorney

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:

• Pay your bills
• Handle real estate transactions
• Access bank accounts
• Manage investments

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.

Have You Planned for Health Emergencies Abroad?

No one plans to get sick or injured on vacation—but it can happen. Before you leave, make sure you have the following:

• Medical Power of Attorney: Lets a trusted person make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
• Living Will or Advance Directive: Outlines your preferences for end-of-life care.
• HIPAA Authorization: Grants access to your private medical information.

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.

Is Your Insurance Coverage Sufficient?

Have You Reviewed Your Life Insurance?

Life insurance is a key part of any estate plan, especially before high-risk travel. Be sure to:

• Review your policy terms
• Confirm your beneficiaries are accurate
• Understand any exclusions (some extreme activities may void coverage)

You might also consider travel insurance to cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, or unexpected emergencies abroad.

Who Will Care for Your Minor Children While You’re Gone?

If you have young children, extra steps are needed to protect them during your travels:

• If they’re traveling with you: Ensure passports are current and bring proof of guardianship if required.
• If they’re staying home: Execute a temporary guardianship form (varies by state) to allow another adult to make decisions in your absence.

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.

Don’t Leave Without Protecting What Matters Most

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.

Pre-Travel Checklist:

• Create or review your will and trust
• Assign financial and medical decision-makers
• Review insurance and beneficiary designations
• Make care arrangements for your children
• Meet with an estate planning attorney for peace of mind