Let’s be honest. 2020 has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year. The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly made 2020 a nightmare for people across the globe.
At times like this, thoughts of sitting down and taking care of your estate planning are probably not at the forefront of your mind. However, if you fall ill, the last thing you want to be dealing with is attorneys gathering around your hospital bed trying to finalize your estate plan. In times like these, it’s best to prepare for the worst and contact your attorney to update your estate planning documents and arrangements.
Read on to see why having a will and estate plan is more important than ever during these unprecedented times.
Have you been procrastinating?
Procrastination is normal. No one wants to think about dying or becoming incapacitated, and it’s easy to push your end-of-life planning aside.
However, these days, many of us have more time and flexibility in our schedules than usual. And with a deadly virus spreading through California and the world, you don’t want to risk something happening to you without having a proper plan in place. So now is the time to stop procrastinating and instead prioritize creating or updating your trust or will. This is especially true for high-risk groups such as medical professionals, first responders, and the elderly or other compromised individuals.
Are your loved ones, assets, and personal desires protected?
Many people only think of estate planning in the context of the wealthy or elderly. However, anyone over the age of 18 should start thinking about their estate plan. This is true regardless of your income level, marital status, or number of children. No matter your situation, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your loved ones, your property, and your personal wishes in your will or trust.
Here are some key areas to consider covering in your estate planning documents:
- Clarifying the distribution of your assets
- Naming guardians for minors and dependents
- Laying out a long-term health care plan
- Arranging for important family keepsakes and personal items
- Communicating final wishes, funeral arrangements, and burial requests
Do you need peace of mind?
During times like these, many people’s emotional and mental health suffers. People are worried about their health and safety, their job security, their financial situation, and their ability to engage in social activities in the future.
Because of this, the last thing that anyone needs is for a lack of personal estate planning to add to their anxiety and stress. Meeting with an attorney and making sure that your loved ones and property are taken care of can bring you that extra peace of mind you may be needing.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to actively spread through California, stay on top of things and make sure your estate plan is up-to-date. Contact David Knecht Law today to schedule an estate planning consultation.
