The COVID-19 pandemic is on everyone’s mind and you can’t turn on the television without being reminded. Did you know that your trust and estate attorney has tools that help to protect you and your family? Estate law firms use these tools every day to protect clients and the tools can be very helpful during these stressful times.
As a wills and estate attorney making these solutions available to clients is critical to the work of estate law firms. What are these tools and how can they help you?
Your first step should be to ensure all of your estate planning documents are HIPAA compliant. This is critical for powers of attorney, medical directives and all health care documents. You should also have a stand alone HIPAA Authorization.
HIPAA compliance is of utmost importance during any medical situation especially emergencies. The reason you create these documents is so the decision makers you choose are recognized in case of any emergency. This is even more important for any of your children over the age of 18 in order for you to have access to them in case of emergencies and guide their care.
Make sure your plan consists of the following basic components:
- A testamentary documents such as a trust or will.
- Durable financial power of attorney.
- Durable health care power of attorney.
- HIPAA Authorization.
- Living Will.
- Funeral instructions such as Colorado’s final disposition statement.
- Make sure ALL documents are HIPAA compliant.
Remember this is the basic list and your particular situation may require additional documents and planning. Be careful out there, be vigilant wash your hands and we will all get through this together.