Estate Planning During the Pandemic

A will or trust and essential disability documents are the components of a basic estate plan. The importance of these documents has not changed during this time of profound change. If anything, many of us have been reminded of the need to deal with these matters while we are still healthy enough to do so. It should come as no surprise, though, that new obstacles have arisen to efficiently preparing and executing the basic documents. Fortunately, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order designed to eliminate some of these obstacles. Importantly, the Governor's order suspends the requirement of in-person notarization for certain documents. And, for those who are comfortable with in-person meetings, but who still have safety in mind, the State Department of Health Services has issued guidance for in-person signing of contracts and other documents.

In the coming weeks,, I will be addressing some of the ways to accomplish basic estate planning using both existing procedures and newly-authorized alternatives.

David Weiner