IF CORONAVIRUS HITS YOUR FAMILY YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE THESE DOCUMENTS AND THIS INFORMATION READY

Based on our experience, here are some of the documents that we suggest you organize to make sure that all needed information is together in case you or a loved one contracts coronavirus.

First, it is important that you have health care agents named in a health care power of attorney. If you already have one, it should be reviewed to make sure that the power of attorney reflects your current wishes. The health care power of attorney will allow your agent to gain access to your medical records and to make decisions for you when necessary.

Second, make sure that you have organized your medical history, medicines, and other key information for your loved ones. If you end up in the hospital, this will help make sure that you get appropriate treatment quickly and efficiently without delays from not having access to this information.

Third, a financial power of attorney should also be in place that is current and reflects your wishes today.

Fourth, getting a list of bills and accounts together, and providing access to any online accounts to an agent for your financial power of attorney is important in case you get sick and may not have access to take care of day-to-day activities, bills and the like.

Fifth, make sure that your trusted loved ones also have access to keys and alarm codes for your home and office that they can obtain in case you end up in the hospital and you need a loved one to water plants, feed pets, access work files, etc...

Sixth, review your will and trust so that they are current and reflect your wishes.

If you do not have any of these documents in place, or if any documents in place do not express your current wishes, we are available to help. We can meet via Skype, Facetime, or by telephone.

We are currently working remotely and will maintain our regular business hours. Our four member estate planning team is prepared to step in for any immediate needs. In addition, we are prepared to shift other qualified and experienced personnel from other law practice areas to assist our clients with any immediate legal needs due to the coronavirus.

The governor recently issued an executive order expressly allowing people to have their estate planning and other legal documents notarized and witnessed through electronic communication. So, you don’t have to leave your home to get your estate planning documents completed, and our office would not have to come to your home to act as witnesses and a notary.

Do not hesitate to contact our office at 847 381-8700 if you need our assistance.

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Lucas Attorney at Law