Prepare - don’t panic. Now is a good time to make sure your estate plan is up to date.

Today, the World Health Organization officially declared the Coronavirus Outbreak to be global a pandemic. We have seen entire regions quarantine their populations, and as we witness schools and offices around us closing indefinitely, it’s difficult not to descend into a panic. However, an entire nation in panic mode can only spell disaster - so we should focus on some practical ways to protect ourselves and our families. For some advice on what to do if you begin feeling physically ill, here’s the most recent article prepared by my best friend Maria Godoy, a science editor at NPR.

Even if you are not feeling sick, but have decided to self-quarantine at home out of an abundance of caution, what are some useful things you can do to prepare for a worst-case scenario? Well one thing you can do is to make sure that your estate plan is up to date.

As a reminder, an estate plan is not just preparation for death – rather, a comprehensive estate plan also establishes who will manage your finances and personal care, including making health care decisions on your behalf, should you become ill or incapacitated. Thus, estate planning involves more than simply drafting a will or trust—it can also involve financial, tax, medical and business planning.

If you’re stuck at home wondering what you can do to make sure that your family is taken care of should something happen to you, reach out so we can come up with a plan.

Online and phone appointments are available so everything can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Also, for a limited time, I am offering reduced emergency planning packages for $500 that includes a basic will (with guardianship provisions for your kids), power of attorney and healthcare directive. I always offer free consultations so please get in touch if you have any questions.

Stay safe and wash your hands…