Summer is often seen as a time to unwind, but for estate planning attorneys, it’s one of the busiest seasons. Why? Because with every plane ticket booked, road trip planned, or family reunion scheduled, people start thinking about what would happen if something went wrong. It’s not a topic anyone wants to dwell on—but it’s exactly why now might be the right time to put estate planning at the top of your to-do list.
If you’ve ever found yourself writing down emergency contacts before a flight or wondering who would take care of your children if something happened mid-vacation, you’re not alone. Those small tugs of worry are your brain reminding you of unfinished business and estate planning is the tool that ties it all together.
Summer Travel Exposes the Gaps
Whether you’re flying overseas, heading to the beach, or even just sending your child off to college, travel highlights the vulnerabilities in your legal safety net. Who can access your bank account if you’re injured in another country? Can your spouse legally sign for you if you’re hospitalized? Who would care for your minor children if something happened while you’re away?
These aren’t hypothetical questions, instead they’re real legal scenarios families face every year. And without the right documents in place, the results can be messy, expensive, and emotionally devastating.
The Essentials You Should Have (and Likely Don’t)
You don’t need a 50-page binder or a high net worth to benefit from an estate plan. You just need the basics:
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A Will that names guardians for minor children and outlines your wishes
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A Power of Attorney so someone can manage finances on your behalf if you’re incapacitated
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An Advance Directive to outline your medical wishes and appoint a health care agent
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Up-to-date beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts
Without these, your family could be stuck going to court to get authority they should’ve had in the first place.
Real-Life Lessons: The Clients Who Waited Too Long
This summer, I’ve already worked with clients who waited until the night before an international trip to sign their wills, squeezing in appointments with urgency and fear. I’ve helped parents rush to complete powers of attorney for their 18-year-old college-bound child, because they realized they’d no longer have legal authority to make medical decisions.
These moments are avoidable but only if you start early.
Estate Planning is a Gift You Give Your Family
It’s not about morbid hypotheticals. It’s about peace of mind. Knowing your children will be cared for by someone you trust. Knowing your partner can access your accounts or speak on your behalf. Knowing that your family won’t be scrambling through court paperwork while dealing with grief.
Summer is about connection, renewal, and preparation. It’s the perfect season to invest in your legacy.
What You Can Do Today
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Schedule a free consultation or estate plan audit with our office
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Review your existing documents to ensure they still reflect your wishes
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Encourage your adult children to create their own basic estate plan especially if they’re heading to college, traveling, or starting new jobs
Conclusion
We don’t like to think about emergencies while packing beach bags or road trip snacks, but that’s exactly when we should. Estate planning isn’t about fear, it’s about preparation, protection, and love.
At Mulinazzi Law Office, we help individuals and families build plans that work, grow, and adapt with life. Whether you’re just getting started or need to update old documents, we’re here to guide you.
This summer, give yourself the peace of mind you deserve and make sure your legal house is in order before you leave home.