Medical and Financial Legal Planning for Coronavirus (COVID-19): Providing Comfort During Uncertain Times

At the Strong Firm P.C., we understand that the past few weeks (and those weeks ahead) have been trying times as our clients and their loved ones navigate the uncertainty of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the related volatility in the financial markets.  As attorneys, in addition to dealing with this uncertainty in our own lives, we are looking for ways to help clients and our community.  Now, more than ever, our focus needs to be on our personal well-being and that of our families.  If you have not already prepared proper medical and financial planning documents (or haven’t visited these documents in a while), now may be a great time to think about and/or review these items and make sure you have the basic plans in order for the comfort of you and your family.  Given the CDC’s recommendations for “social distancing” we all need to do everything we can to avoid public places and in-person meetings.  At this challenging time, our firm is using alternate forms of consultations, such as email, phone, text, video conference, facetime and social media, and we have the capability to provide secure electronic transmission and review of documents, and even online estate document signing and notarization services (including verification of identity) as required to try to meet the legal needs of our clients in this area.

Three Essential Medical and Financial Planning Documents To Have in Place For Any Pandemic

• Medical Power of Attorney – During a medical event, it can become critical that you and your family have assurance that you are going to be directed toward the best available healthcare and decision making. A Medical Power of Attorney will allow you to appoint anyone to make these medical decisions on your behalf should you are unable to do so yourself.
• Statutory Durable Power of Attorney – Especially in a time of financial volatility, it is imperative that you appoint someone to make financial decisions on your behalf should for any reason you be unable to do so yourself.
• A Will or Revocable Trust – Having a last will and testament ensures that should the unexpected occur that your wealth and possessions will pass to your loved ones as you wish. Especially for those with blended families or unmarried couples, absent a will, assets can pass in an unexpected manner.  Additionally, revocable trusts can pass your assets similar to wills, but may allow your family to avoid probate altogether and/or allow a level of control of the assets following your death.

To learn more about our remote estate planning services, contact our firm at (281) 367-1222, visit our website at www.thestrongfirm.com or email us at [email protected].