Three Essential Additions to Your Pre-Travel Checklist

While the possibility of having a medical emergency that causes serious injury or death is the last thing you want to think about before traveling for the holidays, the reality is the unexpected does sometimes occur, and being prepared can prove invaluable. That’s why it’s important to check that your estate planning documents are completed and up-to-date.

Three Estate Planning Documents to Review

• A Will. A will directs the distribution of your property and assets when you die. Even if you have only a few assets, a will can make things easier for your loved ones when you pass away.

• Durable Power of Attorney for Finances. This is a simple, inexpensive and reliable way to arrange for someone you choose (i.e., your agent) to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. A durable power of attorney for finances (or financial power of attorney) can prevent your spouse or closest relative from having to ask a court for authority over your financial affairs if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Typically, the agent is given broad power to handle all of your finances, but in the legal document, you can give your agent as much or as little power as you wish.

• Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions. Again, if you become incapacitated and cannot communicate because of an accident or illness, you will want medical decisions to be made by someone you trust. This document gives one or more people you choose the power to act on your behalf in deciding your medical care.

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Did you know?
If you would like to support our mission after your lifetime, one of the easiest ways to do so is to include a bequest in your will or living trust. Now is a great time to do it as you review your plans and make updates. Simply contact Sharon Bosserman-Benson for the Undergraduate or the Graduate School at 503-768-7911, 800-753-9292, or plangivg@lclark.edu, or the Law School development office at 503-768-6901 or lawgive@lclark.edu.

Because it is often necessary to present the original documents to invoke power, these three documents should be easily accessible and the people you select should know where to locate them. It’s important that you communicate with your loved ones to ensure that they know what to do if an emergency happens while you’re away.