Summer in Western North Carolina offers a welcome pause—a slower pace to enjoy long hikes, porch swings, and time with loved ones. It’s also the perfect window to revisit something equally important: your estate plan.
At Delaney Law, we encourage our clients in Brevard, Asheville, and surrounding communities to take advantage of summer’s breathing room to align family fun with future security. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step checklist to help you cover what matters most—logistics, legal protections, and financial peace of mind.
Use the Downtime to Review and Refresh Your Estate Plan
Life moves quickly. A will or trust drafted five years ago may no longer reflect your current wishes or family structure.
Here’s what to review this summer:
✔️ Do You Have North Carolina-Compliant Legal Documents?
Out-of-state documents (such as a will or power of attorney drafted before moving) may not meet North Carolina legal requirements. If you’ve relocated recently, or your estate plan is more than 3–5 years old, it’s time to revisit.
✔️ Do You Have the Practical Details Covered?
Beyond legal forms, your plan should include:
- Asset inventory (bank accounts, retirement plans, property)
- Family information (contact info, relationships)
- Personal identification details (Social Security, insurance)
- Instructions for pet care
- Digital assets (passwords, cloud storage, social media)
Action Step:
Create or update a “Family Reference Binder” with all essential info. If your documents aren’t specific to North Carolina, schedule a review with your attorney.
Update Travel-Related Documents Before Your Next Vacation
Before you pack the car or board a flight, make sure you’ve covered the unexpected:
✔️ Temporary Guardianship Documents
If you have minor children and are leaving them with grandparents, friends, or camp staff, you need a short-term guardianship form granting legal authority to seek medical care or make decisions in your absence.
✔️ Medical Directives for Travel
Review and update your:
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Living Will
- HIPAA Authorization
Make sure your designated decision-makers are still correct—and accessible.
Action Step:
Place copies of guardianship and health directives in a folder labeled “Emergency Travel Docs” and keep a digital backup accessible via phone or secure cloud storage.
Protect Income Streams—Even While You’re on Vacation
Summer’s slower pace often means less income, especially for entrepreneurs or seasonal workers. Now’s the time to ensure your financial protections are in place.
✔️ Revocable Living Trust
A revocable trust allows your assets to be managed and distributed according to your wishes—even if you become temporarily incapacitated while away. It also avoids probate and ensures income continues to flow to your dependents if needed.
✔️ Durable Power of Attorney
Make sure someone you trust can manage your finances while you’re gone—especially if you own a business or rental property.
Action Step:
Review beneficiary designations and update your trust with any new accounts. If you don’t yet have a trust, consider starting with a consultation to determine whether it’s right for your family.
Align Education Savings Plans With Your Estate Goals
Are you contributing to a 529 Education Savings Plan for a child or grandchild? Did you know that:
- You can roll over unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA (as of 2024) under certain conditions
- A properly structured 529 can reduce estate tax exposure
- 529 plans can be owned by a trust for more flexible control
Action Step:
Review how your 529 fits into your larger plan. Do you want to name a successor owner? Should your trust be updated to reflect new savings goals or college timelines?
Let This Summer Be a Season of Intentional Planning
A good estate plan isn’t just about documents—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re heading to a trailhead or a family reunion, knowing your affairs are in order helps you show up more fully in the moment.
At Delaney Law, we offer personalized, compassionate estate planning for families across Brevard, Asheville, and Western North Carolina. This June, give yourself the gift of preparedness and start checking off your summer estate planning list.
We’re taking a little summer social media posting pause.
Delaney Law will be stepping away from social media and blog updates during July and August to recharge. We’ll be back in September with fresh content, helpful insights, and new ways to support your planning journey.
Wishing you a safe, joyful summer—and as always, we’re here if you need us.
