COVID-19 MUST HAVE LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Living during a pandemic is no fun! Nor is thinking about you or a member of your family contracting Covid-19!
The pandemic is not something that any one of us can control. But there is something we can and do control! We can control if we are legally prepared!
There are three basic legal documents everyone should have, especially during a pandemic!
A comprehensive estate plan typically has several different elements that work together as part of the whole. But a basic Pandemic Estate Plan has just the core documents that everyone should have!
The first item is a Health Care Surrogate. A Surrogate is a document naming a person to make your medical decisions and to access your medical records, if you are unable to do so.
Next, you need a Durable Power of Attorney to allow a designated person to handle financial and legal concerns. The designated person can write a check, handle bills, talk to professionals, file taxes and do all the other business that we have to do. Most people select their spouse as their first choice. Alternatively, people often select an adult child, a relative or a trusted friend to do this important job.
The third and final mandatory document during a pandemic is a Will. A Will states who is in charge and who inherits after your death. If you have kids, it will specify who obtains custody of your minors. If you have a spouse, charity, children or grandchildren you want to receive some part or all of your assets, the Will is the document to accomplish this critical task.
Once exposed to Covid-19, symptoms can appear as quickly as two days! You do not want to be calling a lawyer while in the hospital, assuming one could even get in! Further, no one would elect to sign legal documents while dealing with rapid heartbeat, dizziness and excess breathing (all of which are symptoms of Covid-19).
An experienced Florida estate planning attorney can protect you by preparing a plan. Established in 1991, Rignanese & Associates is available to work with clients to protect you and achieve your personal goals.
Please reach out to us at LadyLawyerCynthia@gmail.com; at 141 5th Street NW, Suite 300, Winter Haven, Florida 33881; or 863.294.1114.