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By Jason Carrozza
Attorney

Hi Everybody,

Happy Wednesday! This summer is flying by! I’m trying to take in every minute of this gorgeous weather before it slips away. With only a few weeks left of this beautiful season, I am sure many of you will attempt to sneak in one last vacation. Before you head out of town, take some time to review and update the following items:

  1. Beneficiary Designations: Did you complete and submit these forms to your various insurance companies or holders of your retirement accounts? Are the designations still blank? Did you mistakenly designate a minor child as a beneficiary? Make sure that all policies are titled properly and are in alignment with the estate plan that you’ve created.
  2. Incapacity Documents: Have you executed your Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Proxy, Living Will and HIPAA Release? If so, where are you keeping them? Before you hit the road, consider making a copy of these documents and placing them in your glovebox or in your suitcase. This way you know the proper parties will be notified if you’re on the road.
  3. Document Organization: If you are leaving minor children behind be sure that your babysitter knows exactly where to find your estate plan. Provide them with a copy of your Temporary Guardianship Appointment, and ensure that they have all necessary itineraries and contact phone numbers, this includes the phone number of each hotel you will be staying with.

A little bit of housekeeping prior to departure can ensure smooth sailing while you’re gone. If you have any questions about how to update your estate plan or are looking to get started, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Until next time,
Amy

About the Author
Jason M. Carrozza is a partner and founder of Family Legal Partners, P.C., previously owning Carrozza Law Office, P.C., which focused on estate planning, probate administration, and business formation. He was recognized as a Massachusetts Rising Star by New England Super Lawyers and Boston Magazine in 2014, 2015, and 2016, an honor given to no more than 5% of attorneys in the state. Graduating magna cum laude from New England Law and ranked 3rd in his class, Jason completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Tampa. He gained experience in civil litigation, divorce, corporate, and insurance defense law firms before opening his practice in 2004. Jason is admitted to practice before the Massachusetts Courts, is a trained family law mediator, and a member of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation. He has volunteered for pro bono panels with Senior Partners For Justice, South Middlesex Legal Services, and the New Center for Legal Advocacy. Dedicated to his community, he has served in various leadership roles including vice president of the Bellingham Business Association and Master of Excelsior Lodge of Massachusetts Freemasons. He teaches Estate Planning Basics at the Tri County Continuing Adult Education program and speaks at estate planning seminars throughout the year. An avid baseball fan and history enthusiast, Jason enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Katrina, and their children, Zachary and Madelyn.