At the beginning of March, the coronavirus was perceived in the United States as an overseas problem. By the time the month ended, the country was in the midst of its worst health scare in a century. That’s how fast things can change, and many people who didn’t feel the urgent need to develop a comprehensive estate plan have reexamined their situations. Fortunately, even with stay-at-home orders and other restrictions on individuals and businesses, you can work with a qualified attorney and create the documents you need to protect yourself and the people you love.

A well-structured estate plan sets forth instructions on how healthcare and financial decisions should be made if you become incapacitated and how your assets should be distributed upon your death. A qualified lawyer can provide valuable assistance with:

• Wills— Even under quarantine orders and social distancing rules, you can draft and execute an enforceable will. Conversations with your attorney can conducted by phone or online. Even will execution and attestation can be done remotely. Florida introduced remote online notarization at the beginning of the year and New Jersey is allowing it for the duration of the public health crisis. 

• Living wills — If COVID-19 or some other medical condition leaves you unable to make decisions or to communicate, you still have the right to control the treatment you receive. A living will avoids leaving your doctors and family members to guess what life-sustaining measures you would want or not want to be taken in specified circumstances. 

• Powers of attorney — Granting a family member or close friend a power of attorney means that someone you trust will have the legal power to act on your behalf if you are incapacitated or even if you are not incapacitated if this is your wish. It allows the holder to take care of your financial obligations and make decisions regarding your real estate, vehicles and other assets. A power of attorney can be general or limited in its terms according to your needs and wishes.

As your family, finances and priorities change, so should your estate plan. A will or other document you created years ago might not reflect your current goals or situation, particularly during a time of economic turbulence. Whether you have immediate concerns about your health or not, it’s wise to review your testamentary documents on an occasional basis. 

Hopefully, you and your loved ones will not be harmed by the coronavirus, but whatever the future holds in store, you can benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve established a thorough will and other personalized estate planning instruments under the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney. 

Based in Orlando, Braslow Legal, P.L.L.C. handles a wide range of estate planning services for Florida and New Jersey clients. We also represent individuals and organizations in other legal matters. Please call 929-400-7844 or contact us online for a free consultation.