Leading estate planning and asset protection attorney Guy B. Garner, III, who recently merged his 40-year law practice with Haiman Hogue in Arlington, TX, outlines how it's possible to put affairs in order during COVID-19. For more information please visit https://www.garnerlawfirm.com
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In a recent interview, estate planning and asset protection attorney Guy B. Garner, III, who recently merged his 40-year law practice with Haiman Hogue in Arlington, TX, revealed how it's possible to put affairs in order during COVID-19.
For more information please visit https://www.garnerlawfirm.com
When asked for a comment, Garner said, “In light of the threat posed by the pandemic, many Americans are taking a second look at their personal and financial affairs and what might happen if they become ill or even pass on. What I have told and continue to tell clients is that it's never too late to begin estate planning - and this is true no matter how large or small your estate might be. If estate planning is done right, It’s more Family Protection Planning than it is anything else. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering starting or modifying your estate plan at this time."
One thing that doesn't occur to most people is that most of the work - including drafting, modifying, and finalizing - that goes into an estate plan can be completed remotely.
"Even while COVID-19 is at large, law firms are continuing to operate, with the majority of attorneys working remotely using email, phone, and video conferencing. In other words, you can still get in touch with a trusted estate planning attorney to help provide you with guidance and advice to come up with a robust estate plan," he said.
"Furthermore, since the onset of this COVID-19 pandemic has caused our lives to slow down drastically, you can take advantage of this perfect time to sit down to work on a thorough plan and potentially make difficult decisions of what will happen with you and your estate.”
Another aspect of estate planning that can be done remotely is notarization.
When asked to explain further, Garner said, “In the state of Texas, you can get documents – such as a powers of attorney and the last will and testament – notarized electronically through two-way audio and visual conferencing. In order to continue following social distancing measures, we discuss with our clients the option of possibly notarizing your documents this way at this time."
However, not all parts of estate planning, such as the signing of certain documents, can be completed online.
“Generally speaking, when signing important documents for an estate plan, you would go to your attorney’s office and sign in front of them. Attorneys understand that this is probably not feasible these days, so they have begun new approaches such as drive-up signings or holding the signing ceremony at your place of residence. There also might be alternatives to sign certain documents with witnesses of your choice, so you don't need an attorney physically present," he said.
When asked what piece of advice he would provide those thinking about working on their estate plan, Garner said, "Don't panic - you haven't missed the boat no matter where you are in the estate planning process. The services required to make an estate plan are still in operation during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Source: http://RecommendedExperts.biz
Contact Info:
Name: Guy B. Garner
Email: Send Email
Organization: Garner Law Firm, P.C.
Address: 690 E Lamar Blvd #115, Arlington, TX 76011
Phone: 817-261-5222
Website: https://www.garnerlawfirm.com
Source: MM-REB
Release ID: 88955913
