Prepared for you by Duncan Legal, PC

The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us. One moment you are finishing off leftover Halloween candy, and the next you are booking flights, mapping out road trips, thawing turkeys, and debating over real or fake trees.

As joyful (and chaotic) as December travel can be, it is also one of the highest-risk times of the year for unexpected emergencies. Snowstorms, icy roads, crowded airports, and packed schedules create more opportunities for plans to unravel. And while none of us can bubble-wrap life or our families, we can take steps to stay protected.

This is where incapacity planning does its quiet, essential work and where Duncan Legal, PC supports families every step of the way.

If something happens while you are several states away, the last thing you want is for your loved ones to be stuck, unable to help, because the proper legal documents are missing or out of date. A few core tools make all the difference.

1. Financial Power of Attorney

A Financial Power of Attorney ensures someone you trust can step in immediately if you cannot handle your own financial matters while traveling. Imagine being hospitalized in another state or delayed overseas with no access to your accounts. Without this document, your family may need to petition the court for authority, a process that is slow even on a normal day, and painfully sluggish around the holidays.

Duncan Legal, PC prepares Financial Powers of Attorney that comply with Colorado law and reflect your specific needs, giving your chosen agent the ability to:

• Pay bills
• Manage banking
• Handle insurance matters
• Address year-end financial responsibilities

With the right document in place, your loved ones can act quickly and confidently.

2. Healthcare Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization

Medical emergencies during travel are more common than most people realize. If you become unconscious or unable to communicate, doctors are prohibited from sharing information or taking direction from family members unless proper authorizations exist.

Through Duncan Legal, PC, you can ensure:

• Your Healthcare Power of Attorney clearly names the individual who will make medical decisions on your behalf.
• Your HIPAA Authorization allows healthcare professionals to legally share your medical information with those you trust.

Hospitals do not make exceptions because it is Christmas week or New Year’s Eve. Having these documents ready protects you and gives your family the clarity they need in a stressful moment.

3. Guardianship Nominations for Parents of Young Children

Every parent feels that quiet worry: What if something happened while we were away?

Duncan Legal, PC helps parents prepare guardianship nominations that ensure your children are cared for by the people you choose, not by whoever happens to be on duty at the courthouse. This includes:

• Naming temporary and long-term guardians
• Clarifying how you want your child to be supported and raised
• Coordinating nominations with your Will and broader estate plan

These documents provide enormous peace of mind, especially during peak travel season.

4. Accessible, Organized Documents

Even the best estate planning documents are useless if no one can access them.

Duncan Legal, PC encourages clients to:

• Store documents securely and digitally
• Make sure agents know how to access them quickly
• Carry a simple emergency information card in your wallet
• Keep backups accessible if you are traveling for long periods

This is one of the most overlooked areas of estate planning, yet one of the most important.

Holiday Travel Risks: Preparation Over Panic

The goal is never fear. It is awareness.

A few realities about November through January:

• Accident-related ER visits increase due to weather, long drives, and fatigue
• More than half of Americans travel during this season
• Airports report record congestion, creating delays and health complications, especially for older or medically fragile individuals

These risks are simply reminders of why planning matters and why Duncan Legal, PC encourages clients to review essential documents before they pack their suitcases.

Your Pre-Travel Planning Checklist

Before the car is loaded with gifts or you head to DIA for a holiday flight, ask yourself:

• Do I have updated financial and medical powers of attorney?
• Does someone know where these documents are stored and how to access them quickly?
• Have I reviewed guardianship nominations for my minor children?
• If something happened away from home, would my family be legally empowered to help?

If you answered “no” or “I’m not sure” to any of these questions, now is the ideal time to take action.

Estate planning during the holidays may not feel festive, but it is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. It provides your family with clarity, protection, and fewer what-ifs, especially when conditions become unpredictable.

The holidays are about spending time with the people we love. Duncan Legal, PC helps ensure you can protect them, no matter what the season brings.

Plan Ahead With Duncan Legal, PC

If you would like help updating your estate plan or preparing these essential documents before you travel, Duncan Legal, PC is here to support you.

Take the time now to protect your family’s peace of mind, so you can enjoy the holiday season with confidence and comfort.