We wanted to give an update with regard to our new protocols for preparing and executing estate plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
First, legal services are considered essential services under the state executive order restricting commerce during this time. In fact, it can be argued that the need for estate planning services is even more urgent and compelling now.
We are limiting face-to-face contact to only essential meetings (basically only will execution appointments). Most matters that we need to address with clients and prospective clients can be handled by phone conference or video conference. Because wills in Indiana must be executed in the presence of two disinterested witnesses, we are conducting will executions curbside at our office, or at the client’s location, while still distancing and minimizing contact. Using these new protocols, we are able to fill this urgent need, preparing and completing estate planning projects while minimizing risk.
What we have also learned in these past couple of weeks, is that the downtime resulting for many of those working from home allows for quicker completion of estate plan projects, as it allows clients the time to compile and provide us with the necessary information in much shorter timeframes that before. Because of the urgent health crisis, we are capitalizing on this quicker information exchange by reducing the total average turnaround time for each project.
If you are in Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers, Zionsville, Indianapolis, Hamilton County, or anywhere else in Central Indiana for that matter, and are interested in efficiently preparing an estate plan during this this time of isolation/distancing, please contact us and we can schedule a free phone or video conference.
We at Halcomb Singler sincerely hope that you stay safe and healthy, and will stand by ready to help should you need our services.