As estate planning attorneys, we deal with many older and compromised individuals looking to protect themselves and their loved ones. These communities are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, the novel coronavirus currently spreading worldwide. We believe it is our social responsibility as estate planners to try to do everything in our power to help in this time of need.
During the coronavirus pandemic, having someone who can take care of your financial, banking, and legal needs and address your medical decisions if you are incapacitated is absolutely necessary. Let’s take a look at what this may mean for you by exploring what a virtual estate plan looks like.
How Do I Get My Virtual Estate Plan Completed During the Pandemic?
Estate planning is more than just having a will drawn up. The best estate planning involves looking at your entire life picture and then creating documents that fully address your individual needs. Proper estate plans include health care proxies (sometimes called a living will), durable powers of attorney [spk5] to address your financial and legal affairs, a revocable living trust, and more.
Virtual Estate Planning Availability & Turn-Around Time
Percy Law Group remains open and is prepared to handle your estate planning needs. Our estate planning lawyers are available to consult with you via video conference using Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, or other video conferencing service. Alternatively, we can meet with you in person in a very safe manner at one of our sanitized and secure offices.
We work according to your schedule. Estate planning may involve making some tough decisions, but as soon as you have completed that task, we can get to work creating the estate plan that fits your needs.
Social Distancing While Preparing Your Estate Plan
A large component of estate planning is just learning about your options and what different estate planning instruments can do for you. This part of the process is fundamentally educational and can be readily undertaken from the comfort and safety of your own home.
If there are any documents that need to be signed in person, we can work around that. We have designated offices that are regularly and thoroughly sanitized where we will meet you equipped with masks, gloves, and other safety precautions. We can also work out a drive-up service, where you sign documents in your car that we pass to you through the window.
How Do You Organize & Store Your Estate Plan Documents?
Typically, originals are kept secure in our fireproof safe located in our offices. In addition, we ask that you remember to give copies of relevant documents to your financial adviser, treating physician, successor agents, and any family members you want aware of your plans. It is best to explain to these important people in your life why you chose them and what your needs and wants are. Also, keep clear copies of your documents in a safe place in your home or safe deposit box and let one or more people know where that is.
Contact Percy Law Group, PC to Learn More
The Percy Law Group team hopes and trusts that you and your family are well and safe. We are here to help you do what you can to best move through this personal, financial, and legal crisis. Feel free to reach out to us at any time with your questions and concerns.
Looking to create or update a will, trust, or other estate planning document? Our virtual estate planning attorneys can help. Contact us now online or call (508) 206-9900.