(SPOKANE - March 20, 2020) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spokane County Bar Association Elder, Disability, Estate Planning Section would like to assist the public during this stressful time by offering easy steps you can take to put your mind at rest by doing some lifetime planning during this troubling stretch.
1. It's a good time to take an inventory of what you own, including liquid assets. Be sure to record these, and place the list in a secure location.
2. Assess the protections you have in place. Do you have enough medical, life, short/long term disability coverage?
3. Learn and take action on advanced medical directives (medical power of attorney, health plan surrogate, etc.). Designate the person who will be making those decisions. Be sure to have a conversation with this person in advance of designating them.
4. Take action to have a will and/or a trust created by an attorney specializing in estate planning.
4. Ensure your bank, retirement accounts, safety deposit boxes have updated beneficiary information.
6. Record and safely stow your electronic passwords.
7. Make it easy on your loved ones, make a paper file that has clear instructions on what to do/who to contact if you are incapacitated.
These are just a few, simple steps you can do to get started on your plan. Many resources may be found online at no cost to you.
"The plan and documentation you put in place by taking action now will continue to serve you and your family members long after the COVID-19 pandemic has run its course," said Megan Lewis, President of the Elder, Disability, and Estate Planning Section.
The Spokane County Bar Association Elder, Disability, Estate Planning Section consists of 59 Spokane-based attorneys who specialize in these unique legal services. If you are in need of legal services, please visit www.SpokaneBar.org to find a member attorney near you.
CONTACT Julie Griffith, Executive Director, 509.477.2657
The Spokane County Bar Association is a nonprofit civic organization, which works to enhance the integrity and competence of the legal community and to pursue greater access to justice for all.