The information in this column is not intended as legal advice but to provide a general understanding of the law. Any readers with a legal problem, including those whose questions are addressed here, should consult an attorney for advice on their particular circumstances.
Summer is all about sunshine, travel, and spending quality time with the people you love. It’s also one of the best times to pause, reflect and finally check “create an estate plan” off your to-do list.
If you’re planning a vacation, sending kids off to camp, or just enjoying a slower season at work, now is the perfect time to get your legal and financial life in order. There are a few reasons why summer estate planning makes sense.
You’re Already in Planning Mode for Summer Activities. Whether you’re organizing a family road trip or coordinating childcare while school is out, summer naturally puts you in the mindset of preparation.
That makes it easier to shift gears and think about your estate planning checklist:
- Who would care for your children in an emergency?
- Who would make decisions if you became seriously ill or injured?
- What happens to your assets if something unexpected occurs?
Estate planning answers all of these questions, so your loved ones aren’t left guessing during a crisis.
Travel Season Highlights the Need to Update Your Estate Plan. Before you pack your bags and board that flight, take a moment to ask: If something happened to me while I was away, would my family know what to do?
We all hope nothing ever happens, of course, but travel brings a natural reminder that life is unpredictable. Putting basic documents in place can offer huge peace of mind while you’re away:
- Will: Directs distribution of your assets
- Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to handle financial matters
- Healthcare directives: Ensures your medical wishes are followed
Summer Is Ideal for Estate Planning Updates and Reviews. Already have an estate plan? Summer estate planning season is perfect for essential updates:
- Review your beneficiaries after major life changes
- Check your guardianship designations as children grow older
- Make updates after marriage, divorce, a new child, or a move
- Verify account information and contact details
Your estate plan should grow with your life. Regular reviews ensure it still reflects your current wishes and circumstances. A good rule of thumb is review these plans every 5 to 10 years.
Flexible Summer Schedules Make Estate Planning Easier. Many people find it easier to attend meetings or complete paperwork during summer’s slower pace—especially if you work in education, have summer Fridays, or are taking some time off.
Creating or updating your estate plan doesn’t take as long as you might think. Most estate planning checklists can be completed in a meeting with your attorney, making summer the perfect time to tackle this important task.
Complete Your Estate Planning Before Fall Gets Busy. We all know how fast the fall can fill up, back-to-school preparations, sports seasons, and holiday planning. Taking care of your summer estate planning now means you can step into the busy season with one major task already accomplished.
Don’t let another year pass without proper estate planning protection for your family. ©
Sam A. Moak is an attorney with the Huntsville law firm of Moak & Moak, P.C. He is licensed to practice in all fields of law by the Supreme Court of Texas, is a Member of the State Bar College, and is a member of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. www.moakandmoak.com