COVID 19 Remote Wills and Trusts
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The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, despite the now widespread availability of vaccines. Though many things have returned to normal, we may never be completely free from thinking about the spread of variants of the virus. This, and the unfortunate experiences people have had over the last few years, has many people thinking about whether their affairs are in order. We have all come to think more concretely about mortality, and about the chances of getting sick and spending a week or more in the hospital without the ability to make informed decisions or manage our financial and legal affairs.
The good news is we have all learned new ways to do things during the pandemic. While you may need to come to the office in person for the final signing of your documents (depending on whether Massachusetts passes a permanent remote notarization law, we can do everything else for you without you ever having to leave their home. The signing itself can be done outside, or in our large conference room with ample space for physical distancing, plexiglass dividers, and fully masked and vaccinated staff members to assist you. Estate Planning and the PandemicThough vaccines have substantially reduced the risk of death associated with COVID-19, there are many aspects of the pandemic that have brought the need for proper estate planning into sharp focus for individuals and families across Massachusetts.
First, things can happen very fast, leaving you little time to put things in order if you or a loved one becomes sick. Visiting restrictions in many facilities can also make it more difficult to sign documents if you are hospitalized. Second, because it is a highly contagious disease, the very people you might have identified as health care proxies and powers of attorney might also be sick if they live in the same household as you. Third, if you have young children, it is important to know that if both parents become infected and do not have at least a temporary guardianship consent form, there could be unnecessary uncertainty and confusion around taking care of their needs while you are ill. Finally, the court system is still significantly backlogged because of COVID. This means if something happens and your estate needs to go through Probate Court, there could be significant delays for your family members getting the legal authority to manage, maintain and distribute what you have left behind. For all of these reasons, you do not need to be afraid of dying of COVID to understand why it makes estate planning even more important than ever. |
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All Aspects of Your Comprehensive Estate Plan Can Be Prepared Remotely
The first thing on your mind right now may be just a will. In the midst of a pandemic, many people's priority is making sure they have the basic instructions in place, including distribution of assets and guardianship for minor children.
The truth is, however, there is no reason you can't address your entire estate plan during this time. You may even have more time than you usually do to talk with your spouse about planning, locate information important to the planning process, and really invest some thought into your needs and goals.
You should know that you can do all of this remotely, up until the actual signing appointment. We can speak with you by phone or video conference to get a full picture about your family and your goals, and recommend the best set of documents to meet your needs. Any kind of trust can be drafted and signed using the same process as your will. The same is true for health care proxies, durable powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.
The truth is, however, there is no reason you can't address your entire estate plan during this time. You may even have more time than you usually do to talk with your spouse about planning, locate information important to the planning process, and really invest some thought into your needs and goals.
You should know that you can do all of this remotely, up until the actual signing appointment. We can speak with you by phone or video conference to get a full picture about your family and your goals, and recommend the best set of documents to meet your needs. Any kind of trust can be drafted and signed using the same process as your will. The same is true for health care proxies, durable powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.
How We Can Help
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Jenna Ordway
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We are ready to help, and can put your plan in place through phone, video and electronic communication so that you can stay safe and at home. You can use the button below to schedule a call back from a member of our team, or give us a call at 781-784-2322.
