While no one wants to think about emergencies during vacation, having proper protection in place lets you truly relax and enjoy making memories together.

Let's explore why having a Kids Protection Plan® (“KPP”) in place before traveling is essential and what steps you can take to protect your children. Please note: most lawyers, even at the top estate planning firms, often make at least one of 6 common mistakes that the KPP is designed to address, when naming legal guardians for children in an estate plan. 

THE HIDDEN RISKS OF TRAVELING WITHOUT PROTECTION

When you're caught up in vacation planning excitement, it's easy to focus only on the fun ahead. However, traveling presents unique risks and scenarios you need to consider. If you become incapacitated in a car accident or experience any other emergency while away from home, what would happen to your children in those critical first hours or days? Without proper legal documentation, your children could be temporarily taken into the care of strangers or social services until the proper authorities can determine who has the legal authority to care for them.

While no one can predict exactly what will happen, proper estate planning gives you security, regardless of political changes.

UNDERSTANDING CURRENT PROTECTIONS AND POTENTIAL CHANGES

Same-sex marriage is currently recognized in all 50 states under federal law, protected by the Supreme Court's Obergefell decision and the Respect for Marriage Act. If you were married in states like Massachusetts or New York—early adopters of marriage equality—your marriage remains valid under those state laws regardless of federal changes.

But state-level protections vary significantly. Some states have explicit constitutional protections for same-sex marriage, while others maintain laws that could restrict marriage rights if federal protections change. Understanding your state's specific laws is crucial. For example, Massachusetts not only recognizes same-sex marriage but also provides strong protections for non-biological parents and inheritance rights.

But let’s be clear: female entrepreneurs aren’t just keeping up; they’re redefining success on their own terms.

This Women’s History Month, let’s explore what it takes to build and scale a thriving business as a female founder.

RETHINKING THE FUNDING GAME

Access to capital remains one of the biggest roadblocks for women in business. Despite running some of the fastest-growing companies, female founders receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital funding. The good news? Women are rewriting the rules of business financing.

Crowdfunding has emerged as a game-changer, with women consistently outperforming men in campaign success rates. This isn't just about raising money—it’s about proving demand, building a loyal customer base, and demonstrating market viability from day one.

Her story shows why proper timing and planning are crucial when navigating divorce - one of life's most challenging transitions.

THE POWER OF TIMING

According to reports, just one day before her death, Doherty filed for an uncontested divorce from her husband Kurt Iswarienko, who signed the agreement the following day. This eleventh-hour timing proved crucial for her estate. By finalizing the divorce, Doherty ensured her assets - including a $6 million Malibu home and future residuals from her acting career - would be distributed according to her wishes rather than being subject to community property laws.

Had the divorce not been finalized, the outcome could have been drastically different. In some states, if a person dies during an active divorce proceeding, the process either halts or is significantly altered. Without a finalized divorce agreement in a community property state like California, Iswarienko could have had a legitimate claim to significant portions of Doherty's estate, potentially leading to years of costly legal battles and family conflict.

As a business owner, understanding how to prevent and address sexual harassment is crucial for protecting both your employees and your company.

RECOGNIZING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Workplace sexual harassment includes any behavior that creates an uncomfortable, intimidating, or hostile environment. It can involve unwanted physical contact, inappropriate conversations, or the abuse of power to manipulate or pressure employees. In the Lively case, allegations ranged from forced intimate scenes to repeated personal invasions of space, illustrating how misconduct often escalates when left unchecked.

Harassment is not limited to overt actions. It can start with offhand remarks or seemingly minor invasions of privacy, gradually leading to more serious violations. A single inappropriate joke or comment may seem harmless to some, but over time, these behaviors contribute to a culture where misconduct is tolerated. Recognizing these patterns early is crucial to preventing a toxic work environment.