Summer Travel and Your Maine Estate Plan: Documents You Should Review Before You Leave
Before You Hit the Road
Summer in Maine is a season to enjoy. Whether you’re heading to the coast, spending weekends at the lake, taking a road trip through New England, or flying across the country, it’s a time to relax and make memories with family and friends.
Before you pack your bags, however, it’s worth taking a few minutes to review something that often gets overlooked: your estate plan.
No one likes to think about emergencies while planning a vacation, but having the right legal documents in place can provide peace of mind if the unexpected happens—whether you’re exploring Acadia National Park, visiting family in another state, or traveling abroad.
A few simple steps before you leave can help ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are prepared, no matter where your summer takes you.
Five Estate Planning Documents and Tasks to Review Before You Travel
1. Review Your Advance Health Care Directive
If you become seriously ill or injured while traveling, someone may need to make medical decisions on your behalf.
In Maine, an Advance Health Care Directive allows you to appoint someone you trust to make health care decisions if you’re unable to do so. It also gives you the opportunity to express your wishes regarding future medical treatment.
Before you travel, make sure your chosen health care agent knows where to find a copy of your directive—or has one readily available if needed.
2. Make Sure Your Durable Financial Power of Attorney Is Current
Unexpected events don’t stop bills from coming due.
A Durable Financial Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you’re unable to do so. Depending on the authority you’ve granted, your agent may be able to:
- Pay bills
- Access bank accounts
- Manage investments
- Handle insurance claims
- Manage real estate transactions
If you’re away from home for an extended period, knowing someone can step in if necessary can provide valuable peace of mind.
3. Confirm Your Will Reflects Your Current Wishes
Summer often brings family gatherings and reunions, making it a natural time to think about whether your Will still reflects your life today.
Ask yourself:
- Have I gotten married or divorced?
- Have there been births or deaths in the family?
- Have I purchased or sold significant property?
- Have I moved or changed my state of residence?
- Are the people I’ve named as my Personal Representative or, if applicable, guardian for my minor children still the best choices?
Even if nothing has changed, reviewing your Will every three to five years is a smart habit.
4. Don’t Forget Your Digital Life
Many important records are now stored online.
Before traveling, consider organizing:
- Passwords and instructions for accessing important online accounts (stored securely)
- Banking and investment account information
- Insurance policy information
- Travel reservations
- Emergency contacts
Your loved ones don’t necessarily need immediate access to every account, but they should know how to locate important information if needed.
5. Keep Important Documents Accessible
Your estate planning documents won’t do much good if no one can find them.
Before leaving:
- Tell your trusted family member or agent where the originals are stored.
- Keep secure electronic copies of important documents.
- Carry emergency contact information while traveling.
- Consider bringing copies of your Advance Health Care Directive if you’re traveling for an extended period or have ongoing medical conditions.
Traveling Outside of Maine? Here’s What You Should Know
Most estate planning documents properly executed in Maine are generally honored in other states. However, every state has its own laws and procedures, and medical providers or financial institutions may have their own requirements.
If you’ve recently moved to Maine—or created your estate plan in another state—it may be time to have your documents reviewed to ensure they continue to meet your needs and comply with current Maine law.
Likewise, if you’re a Maine resident who owns property in another state or spends significant time elsewhere, your estate plan should reflect those circumstances as well.
Your Summer Estate Planning Checklist
Before heading out on your next adventure, ask yourself:
- ✓ Is my Will up to date?
- ✓ Is my Advance Health Care Directive current?
- ✓ Is my Durable Financial Power of Attorney current?
- ✓ Do the people I’ve chosen know they’ve been named?
- ✓ Can my family locate my important documents if needed?
- ✓ Have I reviewed my estate plan within the last three to five years?
Enjoy Your Summer with Confidence
Estate planning isn’t about expecting something to go wrong. It’s about making sure the people you love know what to do if life takes an unexpected turn.
A little preparation before your summer travels can provide tremendous peace of mind, whether you’re enjoying lobster on the Maine coast, hiking in the mountains, visiting grandchildren across the country, or embarking on an overseas adventure.
If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your estate plan, summer is an excellent time to schedule a review. Ensuring your documents reflect your current wishes can help protect both you and your loved ones—wherever your travels take you.
Ready for a Summer Estate Plan Checkup?
Before you head off on your next adventure, take a few minutes to make sure your estate plan is ready for the journey, too.
At Aging In Maine, we help individuals and families throughout Maine review and update their estate planning documents so they continue to reflect their wishes and provide the protection they were designed to offer.
If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your Will, Advance Health Care Directive, or Durable Financial Power of Attorney—or if you’ve experienced a major life change—we’re here to help.
Call Aging In Maine today at (207) 848-5600 to schedule your estate plan review. With your legal affairs in order, you can enjoy your summer travels with greater confidence and peace of mind.
