Now that we have entered Phase 2 of the COVID-19 reopening, it feels like we are coming out of a long winter.
Current legal thoughts for you:
- Do you have a Health Care Power of Attorney (also referred to as an Advance Medical Directive)? The time to prepare one is now. Prepare an Advance Medical Directive while you are healthy so that you can discuss your wishes with your health care agent. Be sure to select an agent you trust to make health care decisions on your behalf.
- Do you have a General Durable Financial Power of Attorney? This is also the time to prepare one. If something happens to you and you do not have joint accounts or another person listed on your accounts, paying your bills and accessing your money may be very difficult. Having a General Durable Financial Power of Attorney makes this easier so that if you are incapable, someone else can step in and make sure all bills are taken care of. You need to do this while still able to make informed decisions.
- Are your Wills up to date? If you have children from another marriage or a blended family and do not have a Will, the Virginia Intestate Statute, which would dictate the disposition of your assets at your death instead of your Will, may not result in the disposition you want.
- Have you been thinking about buying or selling your home? Now may be a good time with low interest rates.
- Courts are opening up and scheduling Hearings and Trials (except for Unlawful Detainers which are still postponed – at present until June 28, 2020 – but may be postponed again).
- Our office is once again open for meetings and document signing with masks. Many businesses have been forced to adapt to working remotely; accordingly, we are offering Zoom meetings for clients who are not comfortable with coming into the office at this time. * Do note that documents must be signed in the office in person.
COVID 19 has forced many people to recognize the importance of planning ahead. Instituting things such as Powers of Attorney and succession planning for businesses while you are healthy make for less headaches in the future. Furthermore, if you want to make sure that your blended family is taken care of, you need to have a Will executed during your lifetime. The time to make these decisions is now. Planning ahead will save time and money in the long run for both you and your beneficiaries.
Ms. Fine practices in the following areas: business law, estate planning, equine law, real estate law, or civil litigation. Please reach out if you need assistance.
