On April 9, 2020, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued an executive order allowing all legal documents to be witnessed and notarized remotely in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The order was welcomed by the legal community since the state-wide shelter-in-place order and state of emergency, as well as the general cooperation of Georgia’s public in social distancing, has temporarily halted in-person meetings with clients. The most important thing Georgians can do right now is limit their physical interactions with their community to help fight the spread of the coronavirus, but that does not mean Georgians cannot take important steps to put their legal affairs in order.
One benefit of the order is that estate planning may be accomplished virtually. Rather than having to meet with an attorney at his or her office, Georgians can now work with an attorney by phone, email and audio-video conference to prepare and execute wills, powers of attorney and healthcare directives from the safety of their homes.
This is a unique opportunity for Georgians. Most people understand the need to prepare an estate plan, but many often put off estate planning for a variety of understandable reasons. We all are very busy facing immediate and near-term challenges and demands, such as work, childcare and home maintenance, and it is easy to keep putting your will, something that likely won’t be needed today, on the to-do list for tomorrow. Moreover, who needs the hassle of having to meet at an attorney’s office not once (to discuss an estate plan) but twice (to sign all the paperwork)?
As Atlanta estate planning attorney, it’s always been my goal to make estate planning as convenient and inexpensive as possible for my clients over the course of my career. Now that virtual witnessing is allowed, estate planning is now even more convenient, and I am able to offer even greater savings for my clients. And don’t feel daunted by technology – the process is much simpler than you may think. Contact me to find out.
If you would like to discuss virtual estate planning with me, please email me or call my Atlanta estate planning and probate law firm at (404) 445-7771.
