“We Leave for Vacation Next Week…”: A Summer Estate Planning Conversation
Caller: “Hi, this might be a weird question, but we’re going on vacation next week and realized we probably need a will. Can we get that done in time?”
Me: “Not a weird question at all! In fact, this happens every summer.”
Every year, right around late spring and early summer, our phone starts ringing with calls from parents just like this. They’re booking flights, planning road trips, or packing up the kids for a beach getaway—and suddenly it hits them: What happens to our kids if something happens to us?
It’s a totally normal moment of reflection. Travel tends to bring those “what if” thoughts to the surface. And it’s smart to think about estate planning when you’re heading out of town, especially if you have minor children.
But here’s the part most people don’t realize: a simple will isn’t always enough.
If you have young kids, what you might really need is a living trust.
Let me explain. A will lets you name guardians for your children, which is critical. But it doesn’t keep your assets out of probate, and it doesn’t give you control over how and when your children receive their inheritance, and, most importantly, what if you don’t die but have an illness or injury that prevents you from getting to your kids. Long and short, a will only does the job part-way, if that. You need a trust.
Without a trust, your kids could receive everything outright at age 18, ready or not!
Without a trust, your assets are going to go through probate if you pass away AND someone will also need to file for a conservatorship in Georgia (court supervised management of assets on behalf of a minor child) which will end at 18, ready or not!
Without a trust, whomever you want to have your children and take care of them may not have access to any of your money for months.
This list is longer, but let’s change gears a bit.
That’s why many Georgia parents choose to set up a revocable living trust. With a trust, you can:
- Ensure your assets avoid probate, so things aren’t tied up in court for months (or longer).
- Name a trusted adult to manage the money for your children until they reach the age you choose.
- Provide guidance and restrictions—like using the money for education, health, or other needs.
- Still name guardians for your children in a legally binding way in a separate document.
It gives you more control and peace of mind—and it gives your family clarity during a hard time.
Now, can we get this all done the week before you leave? Maybe. But estate planning—especially with a trust involved—shouldn’t be rushed. It takes some thoughtful conversations. We need to understand your values, your family’s needs, and what protections make the most sense. That’s not something to do in a panic between Target runs and passport renewals.
So if vacation is coming up and estate planning is on your mind—call now. Don’t wait until the last week.
When we start early, you’ll have time to:
- Make intentional choices about who will care for your kids and manage their inheritance
- Set up your trust properly so it actually works when needed
- Review beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and medical directives, too
And if you already have a will or trust? Great. But vacation is still the perfect time to dust it off and make sure it still reflects your life today.
Here’s the bottom line: Estate planning isn’t about being afraid of the worst—it’s about protecting your family with calm, confident decisions before life gets chaotic.
So yes, let’s talk before your trip—but let’s do it now, while there’s still time to get it right.
Atlanta Wills + Trusts Law Group helps Georgia families, especially moms, with wills, trusts, and child-focused estate plans that work when it matters most. Schedule a consultation and leave for vacation with true peace of mind.