Are Your Powers of Attorney and Health Documents Ready for the Road?

Whether it’s a weekend in Chicago, an extended stay with family in Florida, or a long-awaited trip overseas, there’s one critical detail many travelers overlook: making sure your legal documents are ready to protect you if something unexpected happens away from home.

The powers of attorney and healthcare directives you set up in Michigan may not provide the same level of protection once you’re out of state or out of the country.

Why Your Michigan Documents Might Not Work Everywhere

Every state has its own requirements for recognizing legal documents, and these differences can be critical in an emergency. For example:

• Some states mandate witnesses or notarization for healthcare documents, even when Michigan does not.
• “Springing” powers of attorney—those activated only upon incapacity- can cause delays or be rejected in other jurisdictions.
• Banks and hospitals outside Michigan, or in other countries, may hesitate to accept unfamiliar documents without a legal review.

If you depend solely on your Michigan documents while away, your chosen decision-makers could encounter avoidable obstacles just when you need help the most.

How We Help Clients Prepare

We help frequent travelers, snowbirds, international families, and business professionals prepare powers of attorney and healthcare documents that truly work in real-world situations. Some of the strategies we commonly recommend include:

• Using immediate (rather than springing) powers of attorney, so your chosen agent can step in right away, without unnecessary delays
• Drafting documents with broad recognition in mind, including witness signatures or notary acknowledgments as needed
• Providing digital copies so your family can access the documents easily, even if you’re halfway around the world

Peace of Mind You Can Pack

No one enjoys thinking about the “what-ifs” when planning a trip. But by making sure your legal documents are in place, you’re giving yourself—and your loved ones—one of the greatest gifts: peace of mind.

With the proper support, you can travel knowing that your wishes will be respected, your finances will be managed, and your healthcare decisions will be followed, wherever your journey leads.