Many people have contacted our office during this recent crisis to inquire about getting their important documents in order. Of course, they have been meaning to tackle this task for some time, but allowed themselves to put it off for one reason or another (we think we know your reasons!).
It’s certainly understandable wanting to avoid thinking about and planning for our own death or incapacity. But this world emergency we have all been thrust into has really helped illustrate just how imperative it is that we make sure we have our planning done properly.
The courts are essentially closed for almost all matters, except those of extreme emergency, and even in those cases, it is difficult to reach anyone at the court to request a hearing in front of a judge.
Additionally, many hospitals are closed to visitors, making it nearly impossible to reach sick patients on the inside for updates on their health.
So under these circumstances, we ask you: If you or your loved one does not have a medical power of attorney, and you or they become ill, then what?
It’s not like someone can just walk into a hospital room, documents in hand, and have the patient nominate someone to make decisions for them. So again, then what?
You certainly can’t just go down to the courthouse and request a hearing be set to determine who should be appointed as your loved one’s guardian. The courthouses are closed to the public – believe us, we have tried to enter, and even as a licensed attorney with an urgent matter, we only got so far before being sent right back out!
We urge you to take a lesson from this pandemic, and get your affairs in order. Do it for you. Do it for the people around you. Do not leave a tangle for others to try to unravel, especially when they may be dealing with chaos or stress or mourning at that time! Call us today to schedule a free consultation, and share this information if you think they need it!
