January 15, 2021 update:
[Note from Tom Myers: I first published this blog post early in the Covid (and many other fronts) crisis, in June of 2020. Who could have foreseen that the winds of change would continue to howl around us so ferociously! We are still here, and the message is still the same - let us know if we can help you get and maintain a bit of control, while so much is beyond it.
Our sincere thanks to our many loyal clients - new and decades-long alike - that have kept us going strong. we appreciate you greatly and it is humbling and rewarding to work with you and your families.]
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June 3,2020
So much of our lives are out of our control right now, it’s easy to throw up your hands and stop trying. It may feel like there’s nothing much you can control or accomplish - that world and local events are sweeping around you and there’s nothing you can do.
However: there are a few institutions that are still standing strong, and there are steps you can take right now to assure that the most important events in your life can happen just the way you want them to - and that your wishes will be enforced with the weight of the law and the courts on your side.
Our state Probate Court system came to a temporary and brief halt, but it has now resumed, and it is adjudicating cases daily (although remotely.) Courts continue to enforce properly executed estate planning documents (such as Wills and Trusts), meaning that your wishes outweigh state-mandated Intestate (no Will) distribution statutes.
Our medical systems are functioning, and medical staffs continue to highly encourage all of us to have a Medical Directive on hand, meaning your care wishes outweigh standard operating procedures.
And, banking, financial institutions, and care facilities honor (and often require) validly executed Powers of Attorney so that loved ones can continue your critical life financial and business functions for you, even when you may not be able to do so yourself.
We have set up procedures to quickly and easily complete these documents that are so critical to controlling the things you can control. We use remote technology, phone and video guidance, and “outside of the box” methods such as sidewalk care facility visits, curbside signing with safe-distance witnessing, and doorway / garage signings to make sure your documents are quickly and accurately completed, with minimum danger or trouble to you. We’re small enough to accomplish these signings, including witnessing and notarization, while still getting to know you personally, and while coming to you no matter what your circumstances.
And, we continue our long-standing practice of secure storage of an extra original of all of your critical documents, in case you or your family need a copy. (We recently heard from a client’s son that desperately needed a copy of a document that was unavailable due to his parent’s quarantine at a senior living facility - he could not enter the facility to get mom’s document. We were happily able to supply a copy immediately, and at no charge.)
So let us know if we can help you! Details, pricing, and as always our free 1/2 hour initial consultations, are available with an easy phone call or e-mail, or just leave us a note in the contact us section, and we’ll contact you promptly to get started.
Thank you for your interest in Berg Myers Law! We hope to see you soon.