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The vacation season is beginning. Most vacationers attend to obvious chores in preparing to leave town: mail and newspaper pickup, lawn maintenance, pet care, thermostat adjustments, etc. You would be wise also to consider these "legal" preparations before your departure: |
| Medical Powers of Attorney | |
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This simple legal form can be used to authorize others to consent to important medical care for you if you are placed in a condition where you are unable to consent for yourself. You may designate your spouse or other adults to make these medical decisions for you. If you have children who will not be traveling with you, it is especially important that you authorize other adults who will remain near the children to make these consents for them in your absence. Power-of-attorney forms are available at most office-supply stores in Arizona, and they are free on the internet at forms.vanosteen.com. |
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| Automobile Insurance Coverages | |
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If you will be driving your car on vacation, this is a good time to review your auto-insurance policy and make appropriate adjustments in your coverages. These should be considered minimum levels of protection for most people:
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| Valuables | |
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Leave your non-essential valuables at home. Jewelry, electronic and other expensive property may be lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed. Hotel and motel owners in most states and foreign countries have only limited liability for your property. Auto and homeowner policies' exclusions may limit your right to recovery. These limitations also apply to cash. Plan on paying your vacation expenses with credit cards, personal checks or traveler's checks. |
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| Credit Cards | |
| Before leaving home, make a list of all your credit cards. Include your account number and the name and telephone number of the issuing institution. Take the list with you. This will simplify the task of notifying the card issuer if your cards are lost or stolen. | |
| Will | |
| With hope that it will not be needed, you should, nevertheless, review your will before leaving town. If changes are required, make them. |