Throughout the year families across the state of Maryland including Bethesda and Montgomery County  are making travel plans. People are searching for flights, arranging tours, finding the pet sitter and doing that important research.  But there is one item that rarely makes the pre-trip checklist, and it may be the most important of all: your estate plan.

At The Law Office of Brian Gormley LLC, we often hear from clients who suddenly feel the urgency of estate planning right before a big trip. That instinct is a good one. Travel naturally reminds us that life is unpredictable. Accidents, illnesses, and emergencies can happen anywhere, whether you are driving to the Delaware shore or flying overseas. Having a legally sound estate plan in place before you leave gives you peace of mind that money cannot buy Estate Planning attorney Montgomery County MD. 

Why Vacation Is the Right Time to Think About It

Did you know an estate plan is not just for the wealthy or for seniors. It is a set of legal instructions that protects you and your loved ones if you become incapacitated or pass away. Without one, your family may face court proceedings, delays, incredible stress, unanswered questions and expenses at the worst possible moment. Here are a few key points to think about. In fact, read them out loud as a family Real estate planning attorney Maryland. 

• If both parents are traveling together, who has legal authority to care for the children back home?
• If you are injured abroad, who can speak with your doctors and make medical decisions on your behalf?
• If you are hospitalized, who can access your bank accounts to pay the mortgage, the utilities, and the credit cards?
• If the unthinkable happens, will your assets pass according to your wishes, or according to a formula written by the Maryland legislature?

It Becomes Very Difficult Without the Right Documents

Here is something to think about. When no valid will, power of attorney, or advance medical directive exists, ordinary tasks can become legal battles. Here are just a few examples to consider:

• Medical decisions. Without an advance directive and health care agent, your family may disagree about your care, and hospitals may require a court appointed guardian before honoring anyone's instructions.
• Access to money. Without a financial power of attorney, even a spouse may be unable to access individually titled accounts, sign tax documents, or manage a business while you are incapacitated. If something happened to you, who would be your power of attorney? 
• Care of minor children.  Did you know, without a will naming a guardian, a judge decides who raises your children, and temporary custody may fall to whoever is available rather than whoever you would choose.
• Distribution of assets. Without a will, Maryland intestacy law controls who inherits, which may exclude unmarried partners, stepchildren, and charities you care about.
• Probate delays. It is important to know that without proper planning, your estate may be tied up in probate for months or longer, leaving loved ones waiting for resources they need and experiencing additional unwanted stress and anxiety
• Digital life. Without written authorization, family members may be locked out of email, digital photos, online accounts, online files and cryptocurrency.

Already Have a Plan? Review It Before You Go

It's time to review! If you created your documents years ago, a quick review is essential. Marriages, divorces, births, deaths, new property, and changes in the law can all make an old plan outdated. Confirm that your named agents are still willing and able to serve, that beneficiary designations match your intentions, and that your documents reflect current Maryland law.