Coronavirus – The Rush to Make a Will

In the face of the Coronavirus pandemic and with the daily rise of cases, several Americans are rushing to make a will. As of March 25, 2020, 10:03GMT, the WorldoMeter reported a total of 64,115 cases in America with approximately 895 reported deaths. As I posted this blog, it has now jumped to 64,765 cases and 910 deaths in the United States.

“Shelter-in-place” and “stay-at-home” orders are in effect for several areas of the nation. These orders allow essential businesses to stay in operation. Currently and in the near future, our fellow dentists and medical professionals are one of the most essential industries. The medical industry is the front line to coronavirus defense and will continue to work through this pandemic.

Most Americans are practicing social distancing and taking necessary precautions to “flatten the curve”. However, many of us are in fear of what lies ahead. Numerous Americans understandably suffer the anxiety and uncertainty of leaving their loved ones to pick up the pieces of their estate and have rushed to online estate planning.

Recently, online estate-planning websites have been getting more attention. These sites appear to offer an inexpensive way to create a seemingly legally binding document. Due to the increased advocacy of social distancing, the convenience factor will likely carry more weight in decisions. However, attorneys caution against using these documents. If the will does not meet all your state's legal requirements, it may be deemed invalid. If not completed correctly, many state formalities could easily be contested

No one know what the future holds, but now more than ever is the best time to get your estate in order. This virus does not care if you are a busy essential healthcare provider on the front lines or if you are retired grandparent that rarely goes out into public. This isn't just for individuals with medical problems or seniors. This protection is for anyone that has assets and accounts that need to remain in order.

Hieu Huynh, DDS, JD has been a small business owner for over two decades. His vast knowledge in the medical and legal field is merged with the understanding of having older parents as well as a family of his own. Dr. Huynh is highly regarded in providing legal advice with advanced medical directives and to health-care professionals. The Law Office of Huynh & Huynh, PLLC continues to stay available to you with normal business hours throughout this difficult time.