Importance of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Directives in Light of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

With the outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19, most people have acted and taken great steps to address if and when the virus may affect them or their family.  They have planned for all scenarios as to what they may need if they are forced to quarantine themselves from the outside world.  However, many may have overlooked an essential planning item - their Estate Planning documents.  During this time of uncertainty, having an Estate Plan in place is essential and can be comforting as these documents state your wishes with regard to treatment during life and after death.

At MacDonald Illig, we are committed to providing for our community, especially during this hardship.  Our Estate Planning attorneys are here to help you and your family with any estate planning questions you may have.  Please note, we are able to work remotely to assist you in these matters.  We are here for you to answer your questions and to help review your existing Estate Planning documents, whether or not they were prepared by our Firm.  We want to make sure existing documents are in place for you and meet with your needs and current wishes.  Our goal is to ensure that your essential documents are in place during these uncertain times. 

The core of the Estate Planning documents critical at all times are as follows:

• General Durable Power of Attorney ("POA") - A POA allows you to appoint a trusted family member or friend as an agent or agents for you to handle your financial decisions in the event something happens to you and you are unable to handle such items.  A POA contains very broad powers, which are sometimes necessary given the uncertainty the future can hold.
• Advance Health Care Directive ("AHCD") - An AHCD allows you to appoint individuals to make health care decisions for you, if you are unable to do so. The AHCD also allows you to create a Living Will where you can choose treatment you would prefer not to receive, if there is no chance of recovery from a medical illness.
• Last Will and Testament - A Will allows you to decide who is to receive your property upon your passing.  A Will also serve for you to select who is to handle closing out your affairs after death.  While a Will is not effective during life, it can provide peace of mind as you decide now how to provide for your loved ones on your passing.

Please contact one of our Estate Planning attorneys, if you have any questions or if you want to have your current estate plan reviewed to make sure it complies with your wishes.  If necessary, our attorneys are ready to make any and all necessary changes or draft new documents to fit your needs.