By Attorney Todd Bartimole, Solomon, Steiner & Peck, Ltd.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to come face to face with thoughts of our own mortality and potential for illness.
While Mother Nature has dealt us a harsh hand this year, there are ways we can prepare. People are pulling out their estate plans in order to make sure everything is updated and reflects our current wishes, while others who have never created an estate plan are starting the estate planning process.
If we become ill, we want to make sure our health care and financial powers of attorneys and our trusts are in good shape. If we were to pass away, we want to make sure our wills and trusts are similarly sound.
Attorneys can continue to assist people who need help during the pandemic. Virtual meetings, as well as meetings that ensure social distancing, remain available to help you prepare and sign documents.
Here are some things you should know:
Use the current crisis as a time to review or create your estate planning. Take the time to think through the planning or changes that have been on the back burner while they are fresh in your mind.
Most estate planning can be done virtually. You can still create, update or finalize your estate plan by mail, email, telephone and video conferencing.
There are options for signing estate planning documents. Physically meeting with your attorney may not be necessary. Many estate planning documents now can be signed online in a virtual meeting. Ohio passed a law last year allowing powers of attorney, health powers of attorney, living wills and trust agreements, among other documents to be signed online. A last will and testament, unfortunately, is not on that list. Talk to your attorney about other options for signing your will and maintaining social distancing.
With a little time and attention, you and your attorney can get all your documents finalized and signed despite the current pandemic.
Todd Bartimole is a member of the law firm of Solomon, Steiner & Peck, Ltd. and has been practicing in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate Law for over 25 years. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and an Accredited Attorney for the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veteran’s benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
