Why do I need a power of attorney when traveling abroad this summer

As COVID-19 vaccinations increase, international borders begin to reopen, and foreign countries begin to welcome tourists back, many Americans plan to travel abroad this summer. Planning international travel comes with some mandatory tasks that domestic travelers usually don’t need to worry about, including ensuring that your passport is up to date, obtaining any required foreign visas or permits, and meeting foreign preventive health and vaccination requirements. However, travelers sometimes forget that a letter of authorization is required when traveling.If you plan to leave the U.S., another important item on your to-do list is to create a Special authorization During the time period when you will be leaving the country.

Why do I need a special authorization letter when traveling abroad?

If you finish other Estate planning document, You may have created a power of attorney.Although there is Different types of authorization Files, the most common are General powers of lawyers, Designed to authorize a trusted agent to manage your affairs when you incapacitate. The special power of attorney is somewhat different because it is usually valid for a limited time and may provide more targeted or limited powers than the general power of attorney.

For example, a special authorization letter can authorize a trusted local friend or family member to handle unexpected emergencies in your absence. If your house or vehicle is damaged by a storm or other unforeseen problems occur when you are thousands of miles away, a special authorization letter can authorize your agent to interact with your property and accident insurance companies and financial providers To deal with any need to act personally. If you are a business owner, you can create a special authorization to authorize business partners or key employees to make business-related decisions and process transactions in your absence.

Signing a special authorization form when traveling can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your international vacation to the fullest.

How long can the special authorization letter last?

Special authorizations are usually used for a limited period of time, such as the duration of international travel. Technically, you do not need to specify the end date of the special authorization. If you do not limit the time period, the document will be fully valid before your death, unless you choose to revoke it before then.

If you have created a special power of attorney and wish to limit its duration, please consider whether it makes sense to extend the end date to a few days (or weeks) after your expected return to the United States. This will ensure that your agent is delayed unexpectedly. event.

Another consideration is whether to make your special power of attorney “durable”. This means that your agent’s authorization to act in your file will last until the end date (if applicable), even if you become incapacitated. According to the non-enduring power of attorney, if you are incapacitated, your agent’s power to act will cease. Generally speaking, for most travelers, it makes sense to create a durable power of attorney. However, your personal circumstances and goals for the special power of attorney may make non-persistent documents more attractive.

If I die, will the special power of attorney still be valid?

As with the general power of attorney, any power granted to the agent under the special power of attorney ceases when you die. In other words, you cannot create a special power of attorney to authorize the agent to arrange your funeral after your death, because the document will no longer be valid at that time.

If you haven’t already, you can Make a will And appoint someone as your executor or personal representative, giving that person the power to manage your estate after your death. Your power of attorney and your executor or personal representative may be the same person, but the documents they rely on are different depending on the situation.

If I am in a different country, can I revoke the special authorization in the United States?

If you decide for any reason to terminate your agent’s authorization based on the special authorization letter, you can do so by officially revoking the document in writing.This Revocation of authorization The document should provide your special authorization letter and the date of the appointment of the agent, and should indicate that you want to revoke the authorization of the agent. The signed revocation document must be provided to your agent and should also be provided to any financial institution or other provider that can rely on the original special authorization document without notice of revocation.

Depending on the laws of your state, the formal notice may need to be notarized. This can present challenges when you are abroad, but some states now allow remote notarization, which may alleviate the problem.

If you plan to travel internationally in the next few months, please consider whether the special authorization is suitable for your situation.You can contact Rocket lawyers on call_® lawyer Feel free to have questions or ask for help.

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm, nor is it a substitute for a lawyer or a law firm. The law is complex and changes frequently.For legal advice, please Ask a lawyer.