QUESTION: Are you able to document signings during this time?
ANSWER: The quick answer to this is YES. This was one of the biggest concerns that many of our clients, and even the attorneys in our firm, had once we knew we were prohibited from holding in-person meetings. However, after researching applicable rules and consulting several attorney colleagues, we have confirmed that we will be able to do this. In addition, the Governor of California is going to be issuing further guidance to us regarding remote signing of documents during this crisis. We are working with approved software that allows for digital signings of certain documents, or will send you documents for signing where appropriate, so that we may handle the signing of your legal documents just as if you were in our office!
QUESTION: Will you still be holding in-person seminars?
ANSWER: At this time, we have put all in-person seminars on hold in order to comply with local mandates to remain at home and avoid large gatherings of people. This ensures the health and safety of both our seminar attendees, as well as our staff. We are looking to set up virtual seminars (online webinars) that will allow you to watch the seminar from the comfort of your home. This may also be a great time to invite any family or friends who reside in California to join us for a virtual seminar and book a virtual appointment. As it stands, with our office going virtual during this time, we can help put estate planning in place for ANYONE residing in California!
QUESTION: Does your firm handle probate, trust or estate administration?
ANSWER: Yes! Our law firm has handled over 4,000 estates after people have passed away – – including court probates and estates and trusts not requiring court probate. While the courts are currently closed, which is certainly putting a delay on probate matters, we know that this whole process can take some time as we gather information from our clients regarding the decedent’s estate and to prepare necessary documents, so please feel free to reach out to us to get this process started.
QUESTION: I’m worried about our investments right now. I recall that you guys worked closely with financial advisors. How do we go about contacting them?
ANSWER: We know that this is a time of uncertainty and that now, more than ever, may be a great time to get that second opinion about your investments and other financial planning. Our affiliated financial advisors are also available to meet with our clients virtually during this time. If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our affiliated financial advisors, please contact us directly at 1-800-756-5596 and we can get you in touch with the right contact person to set up that appointment with one of the financial advisors we work with.
QUESTION: Is there anything urgent or pressing that I should be considering at all during this time?
ANSWER: First and foremost, your health and safety. Now, more than ever, it is important to take care of your own health – – physical, mental and emotional. There’s a lot of distressing news on the television and online right now. While it’s great to continue to stay informed and figure out what action steps you need to take, be sure that you are getting enough rest and taking care of yourself during this time.
Outside of your own immediate health and safety, right now would be a great time to ensure that your estate plan is in order and that you have the appropriate Health Care Documents in place – – Advance Health Care Directive and HIPAA Authorization. Make sure that these documents are up-to-date with your wishes and that those you have put in place to act, should they need to, are still the best choices for you. These documents should also be set up for anyone that you may know who is of age, including adult children and adult grandchildren. If you have any specific questions about these particular documents, please do not hesitate to contact us and ask us how we might be able to help you ensure that these documents (and your overall estate plan) are in order.
We also recommend having an up-to-date Health Document Emergency Card, which helps assure that your important health care documents are accessible immediately when they are needed. If you’re not sure if you have this card or whether it’s active, please contact us.
We hope that this helps you during this time. Again, if you have any questions or if we can be of help to you or your family at all during this crisis, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes and stay safe!
