Do you have enough gumption…?
To travel with baby, that is.
My husband and I are gearing up for our first big trip as a family of three later this year as we’re planning a trip to visit my brother in California.
It’s only about six hours total flight time, but with layovers and travel time, we’ll spend an entire day in the air/on the road.
(If you have tips on traveling with an infant, feel free to share them with me!)
With a handful of road trips under our belts, I am now keenly aware of ALL of the work that goes into taking a vacation when you’re Mom.
While adding a baby to the mix has doubled the fun and excitement once the destination is reached, it’s safe to say that the preparation required has also doubled.
Seriously, long gone are the days of throwing a few changes of clothes and a toothbrush into a duffel bag and hitting the road.
It takes me an entire afternoon to organize all of the “necessities” that traveling with a baby requires.
And don’t even talk to me about unpacking.
I’m pretty sure remnants of our luggage from travels over July 4th are still in the guest room.
I know, I know. That’s pretty impressive.
So, how can estate planning alleviate some of the stressors of traveling for parents of minor children?
By designating health care agents, powers of attorney, and guardians, of course!
Designating health care agents and powers of attorney for financial matters for yourself and designating health care agents and guardians (both temporary and permanent) for your children will save your family a massive amount of trouble in the event that you are unable/unavailable to make these decisions.
At My Pink Lawyer®, we will walk you through the considerations of naming individuals to serve in each of these necessary roles.
For instance, while your sister in North Carolina may be the best choice to raise your children should something happen to you, we will name someone nearby to serve as the temporary emergency guardian in the interim and to make emergent medical decisions should the need arise.
We’ll also make sure that the documents are properly executed so that a court would honor them, and that guardians are notified and presented with the documents so that they could actually act if needed.
I know it might seem strange to think through these scenarios when planning something pleasant – a vacation – but it’s the “what if’s” that keep us moms (and dads!) up at night.
While we can’t do much about the whole packing situation, we can assist you in making quality decisions so your children would be taken care of when the unforeseen eventually occurs.
So the next time you’re dreaming up the perfect vacation, let us help you maximize the relaxation with a little thoughtful preplanning.
Amanda “Have Baby, Will Travel” Lynch Elliott
P.S. Click here to orderyour FREE copy of Kristen’s book and learn how to avoid the 10 Most Common Yet Easily Avoidable Estate Planning Mistakes that cost your family thousands of dollars in unnecessary legal fees and time delays, and learn how to make the transition process simple for your loved ones.
P.P.S. Click here to scheduleyour Estate & Legacy Planning Strategy Meeting with My Pink Lawyer®.
