We all know you can make a plan but circumstances can change. Well, March 2020 happened, and a seemingly distant serious illness made its ferocious presence known on our shores and in our immediate area, upending life for those of us in Virginia along with most of the rest of the country.
During this time in a normal year, we would be working with a lot of clients who wanted to update (or create for the first time) their estate planning documents in preparation for a long-anticipated vacation. “Just in case,” they’d say, “something happens while I am gone.” The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that “something” may happen even while we stay local.
If you have no estate planning documents (Will or Trust, Advance Medical Directive, Durable Power of Attorney) in place or have not updated them in years (decades, perhaps?), then now is the time to begin the process of ensuring that you have documents in place that reflect your current circumstances: your family, your finances, your health, your values, and your wishes.
How does one create a quality estate plan while under the governor’s “shelter in place” order through June 10th?
First, you attend a free Promise Law workshop on the “7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan” via videoconference or teleconference. The workshop presents important information and concepts that will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to design a plan that reflects your values and your family, and you can attend from the comfort of your own home.
Second, because you attended the workshop, you are entitled to a free, no obligation discussion with one of our highly experienced estate planning attorneys to discuss your circumstances, hopes, desires, wishes, values, and current estate planning documents, if any. This meeting, too, can take place from the comfort of your own home, via telephone or videoconference.
Third, once your estate planning documents are drafted and sent to you for review, an attorney will contact you to review them with you, again, from the comfort of your own home, via telephone or videoconference so that you understand your documents, can ask questions about them, or make any final changes or edits.
Fourth and finally, your signing appointment will take place following our Smart Sign™ process. We invite you to wear masks and/or gloves as you feel comfortable. You will contact us when you arrive so that we can be sure that you are the only clients in the building. You will be greeted and seated at a freshly cleaned table where you can use the provided hand sanitizer. You will be given a new pen for you to use and keep. After a final review of your documents, the witnesses will appear, wearing masks, and you will sign your documents. If you opt to return to pick up your original documents, you will have an appointment to do so to ensure that you will be the only clients in our offices at that time. The entire Smart Sign™ process has been designed for peace of mind and to follow the “social distancing” recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.
Let Promise Law Help You Make a Plan
If you have a legal need in another area that Promise Law handles, such as adult guardianship, probate, trust, and conservatorship administration, or elder law, we will also meet with you via telephone or videoconference. We are ready to help you!
Please contact Promise Law by using our convenient online form or call us at (757) 690-2470 to start the process of moving forward with your legal needs. Life happens. Plan on It. ™
