The COVID-19 Pandemic Shows Importance of Estate Planning

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.

Why Your Nonprofit Organization Needs a Strong Legal Team in 2020

In recent years the number of nonprofit organizations in existence has skyrocketed. However, many of these organizations fail to succeed because they are not properly staffed with the right professionals. A nonprofit organization needs both strong leadership and a strong and competent legal team. 

When operating a nonprofit organization there are stringent regulations to abide by, as well as various registration and document requirements. Hiring a nonprofit lawyer well versed in organizational management can aid you in maintaining your nonprofit status. 

Still on the fence about hiring a nonprofit lawyer? Read below for some additional information about why it may be necessary.

An Outside Perspective 

Professionals involved in nonprofit operations understand the importance of having a strong and competent nonprofit lawyer as part of their team. There are many issues that may arise during the operation of a nonprofit organization – whether it be conflict among board members or problems with existing policies – and these issues might warrant the advice of a lawyer.

When you hire the services of a nonprofit lawyer they become an invaluable, outside source to your organization. Since the lawyer is not a member of your Board, they can provide fair resolutions and remain objective to the best interests of the organization. 

Skills and Experience

While most practicing lawyers are well-versed in legal affairs, not all of them are equipped with knowledge in nonprofit matters. Not even a general business lawyer may be able to provide reliable legal advice specific to nonprofit organizations.

It is important to hire a lawyer who has extensive experience and knowledge working with nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations have different operational requirements than a typical for-profit business, and the lawyer you hire should be able to navigate these matters confidently. 

Policies and Organization

The effectiveness and strength of any nonprofit organization lies not only in the leadership of its team, but in the policies it operates by. In a typical nonprofit organization, the Board is responsible for formulating many of the policies that are used for daily operation. By hiring an experienced nonprofit lawyer to assist with policy creation, you are taking steps to ensure an unbiased and equally favorable outcome for the entire Board and organization. 

A Strong Backing for your Organization

Nonprofit lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help your organization operate at its best. While many lawyers have a general understanding of the law, it is important to equip your organization with a competent nonprofit lawyer who fully understands the legal requirements and regulations that accompany the operation of a nonprofit organization.