Travel

What happens to my assets if I die while traveling abroad?

If you die outside the United States without a trust, your assets may be subject to probate in multiple jurisdictions — including the country where you passed away — which can be a lengthy and expensive process for your family. A revocable living trust can help because the trust, not you personally, owns your assets, so there is no probate court process triggered by your death. This means your successor trustee can step in and distribute assets to your beneficiaries without waiting on foreign or domestic courts. Frequent travelers often find that having a trust in place, along with a durable power of attorney, provides a more complete safety net for unexpected situations far from home.