Got a trip coming up? Surgery scheduled? Deployment orders in hand? You’re not alone—and if you’ve suddenly realized you don’t have a will or any legal documents in place, you’re in good company.

In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up, I walk you through how to get your emergency legal essentials in place fast. We’ll talk about what really matters when time is tight, what California law allows in a pinch, and how to move from panic to peace of mind—without sacrificing quality.

You’ll also hear about a real couple I worked with who needed a full estate plan in under 8 days before flying to Europe.

Spoiler: we made it happen, and they came back with smiles instead of stress.

What I Cover:

• Why estate planning often gets overlooked before big life events
• What documents are essential when you're in a hurry
• How to legally protect your family even with limited time
• Emergency myths I hear all the time (and why they’re wrong)
• Why starting small is better than doing nothing at all
• How to future-proof your plan when you get back

If you're packing a suitcase, prepping for surgery, or just feeling that “what if” whisper in your gut—this episode is for you.

Timestamp:

00:00 – Why last-minute planning is more common than you think

01:30 – What is emergency estate planning?

03:10 – The must-have legal documents before travel, surgery, or deployment

04:50 – Real client story: Full plan in 8 days before a Europe trip

06:40 – What California allows in a legal emergency

08:00 – Why powers of attorney are more than just paperwork

09:25 – Don’t aim for perfect—just aim to start

11:00 – How to upgrade your plan when you’re back

Subscribe to Gavels Down, Voices Up for more legal insights, and visit gettingdivorcednowwhat.com to grab a free chapter of my book!

Ready to learn more about Rachel King:

Website: https://rachelkingattorney.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelawyerking/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelkinglaw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZIOh5b6kNo3KYojIA8vKw?si=91205d1a16194e67

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Rachel's book, "Getting Divorced: Now What?", is now available. Visit https://rachelkingattorney.com/ for more information and to get your copy.

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