Virtual estate planning has become the norm during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During these uncertain times, Southeastern Massachusetts residents need experienced estate planning lawyers now more than ever. While many Massachusetts residents remain under shut down orders, taking the time to create a thorough estate plan can be incredibly beneficial.
Ensuring that your assets will remain protected will give you peace of mind as we all continue to go through this pandemic. At Surprenant & Beneski, PC, we are ready, able, and prepared to help you with your estate planning goals through virtual estate planning. It is not always necessary to meet in person, and we are offering estate planning services through phone calls or video conferencing. If you would like to create an estate plan or amend your estate plan, Surprenant & Beneski, PC is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your virtual estate planning meeting.
How Does Virtual Estate Planning Work?
Massachusetts has experienced over 83,000 COVID-19 diagnoses and nearly 6,000 reported deaths from COVID-19. The state of Massachusetts is one of the states that’s been hardest hit. Due to the risk of contracting coronavirus, the governor of Massachusetts issued a shutdown order that has been in effect since March 24. At Surprenant & Beneski, PC, we are taking extensive COVID-19 precautions. We are currently offering our clients the following options:
- Meeting the needs of our clients through phone conversations
- Meeting the needs of our clients through virtual, online meetings
- Meeting our clients in our office locations while adhering to social distancing protocol
- Access to our office locations is by appointment only to maintain safety
We have adjusted our law firm processes to comply with all of the protocols outlined in the Massachusetts shutdown order. Access to our office locations is now by appointment only. After a client contacts our office, we will coordinate the safest way to connect them to our legal team.
As the stay-at-home orders begin to lift, we understand that some clients with pre-existing health conditions or who are older may continue to isolate voluntarily. Our law firm is sensitive to protecting the health and safety of all of our clients. We will continue to work with our clients to ensure that they are protected and comfortable.
Estate Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic
At Surprenant & Beneski, PC, we understand that many families are going through unthinkably difficult situations. COVID-19 has hit nursing home facilities the hardest. Family members with loved ones in nursing homes are often concerned about their loved one’s futures.
The thought of you or your loved one contracting COVID-19 can be incredibly difficult. Nonetheless, during these unprecedented and challenging times, taking the time to consider estate planning is essential. At Surprenant & Beneski, PC, our lawyers are empathetic and prepared to help you and your family walk through the process of forming a thorough estate plan. Our founding attorneys are two of only 25 attorneys in Massachusetts to become Certified Elder Law Attorneys.
We have personally experienced how difficult it is to walk through an illness with our aging parents and loved ones. These experiences motivate us to offer our clients and their families compassionate and effective estate planning services.
Services You May Need During the Coronavirus Pandemic
During a significant health scare like the coronavirus, certain legal estate planning documents are incredibly important. At Surprenant & Beneski, PC, we can assist you with the following documents:
- Foundational legal documents that you need during illness, incapacity, and hospitalization
- Answering questions related to Assisted Living Facilities, or Nursing Homes
- We help clients complete their estate plans in a timely measure
At Surprenant & Beneski, PC, we believe that every person benefits from taking the time to consider their estate plan, even in more normal times, but especially in these unprecedented times. We ask our clients all of the questions needed to draft comprehensive estate plans that address all of their needs and goals at our estate planning law firm.
After learning about your unique situation, we will draft all of the documents you need so you can rest more easily knowing your affairs are in order. Every Massachusetts resident, no matter his or her age or condition, will benefit from the following estate planning documents:
- A Last Will & Testament
- A Health Care Proxy
- A HIPAA Authorization
- An Advance Directive / Living Will
- A Power of Attorney
- A Trust (depending on your needs and goals)
Emergency Estate Planning Services Are Available
During these challenging times, many families need emergency estate planning services. Our lawyers work quickly to help clients receive the legal documents they need during emergencies. We have helped clients in emergencies with all of the following types of legal documents:
- Advance health care directives
- A durable power of attorney for financial decisions
- HIPAA Authorizations
- Final disposition authorization and instructions
- Guardianship nominations
- Designation of health care agent for minor children
- Kid Protection Plans
- Creation of special needs trusts or supplemental needs trusts
Contact Us to Schedule Your Online Estate Planning Appointment
Many families are experiencing financial constraints as well as time restraints during the coronavirus pandemic. We aim to make it as easy and convenient as possible by offering our clients the opportunity to schedule a virtual appointment via phone or video conferencing. We will plan around your schedule and work with you in a way that is convenient for you. We are all in this together. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Southeastern Massachusetts estate planning law firm as soon as possible.