Emergency estate planning for Coronavirus patients

It’s impossible to ignore the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. With every passing day, the number of new cases is increasing.  And, while we in the United States have not reached the point of having to quarantine communities, towns, or cities, the number of cases of coronavirus in California is growing and, with more widespread testing, will more than likely continue to do so for some time.

It’s hard to predict how COVID-19 will impact those of us in the U.S. over the long term, but you and your family should continue taking the precautions recommended by the CDC in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. Safety precautions such as washing your hands, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering your cough or sneeze, and avoiding large crowds are all about protecting your family and you from possible infection. 

The virus seems to have a more serious effect on people over the age of 60 and those individuals with chronic illnesses. Elderly patients in nursing homes and other care facilities have been especially vulnerable, and many have succumbed to the virus.

With the progression of COVID-19, more and more people are concerned about making sure that their personal affairs are in order and that the appropriate legal vehicles are in place to protect their family and property. Now is the time to make sure that all of your estate planning documents are in order and up to date. This could include:

• Wills
• Living trusts
• Power of attorney
• Advanced healthcare directive

Someone else can tell you how to wash your hands

Nobody wants to think about their own mortality, but the global COVID-19 outbreak should have you thinking about what to do if a family member contracts coronavirus.  This is especially true if you have family members who are living in a nursing care or assisted living facility.

Many of these individuals have compromised immune systems or other underlying health conditions such as COPD, heart disease, or diabetes that increase their risk for contracting the virus and dying from it.

Now is the time to make sure that you and your loved ones have all of the necessary estate planning documents prepared and updated so that your wishes as well as theirs are honored with regards to healthcare decisions and end of life care. 

You, as well as your loved ones, want to ensure that assets will pass to the beneficiaries of choice while, at the same time, making it possible to avoid probate — both the cost and the time involved in going through the process.

We can help you get a living trust in place, fast

Estate planning becomes increasingly important when you consider that you and your family may be confined and isolated in your homes in a self quarantined situation without the ability to meet with an estate planning attorney.

At The Law Office of David W. Foley, we are prepared to handle emergency estate planning cases in California. We can help you get a living trust fast without having to come to our office. We make it possible for you to get a living trust via mail or email. Contact us to begin the process.

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