Does Your Estate Plan Cover a Pandemic?

The Naming of COVID-19

On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak: COVID-19. The name comes from CO for corona, VI for virus, D for disease, and 19 for the year it began.

The Future of the Virus

Experts believe COVID-19 may become milder over time due to vaccines, treatments, and natural immunity. But it is also likely to remain with us in some form for the foreseeable future.

What Science Predicts

According to National Geographic, COVID-19 could eventually resemble other common coronaviruses that cause colds. The speed of this transition depends on immunity, virus evolution, and population exposure. What we know for certain: the virus is not going away soon.

How Daily Life Has Changed

Many of us have lost loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Our daily lives have changed. Work-from-home, virtual schooling, masks, and social distancing have become part of life. Words like efficacy and herd immunity are now part of everyday conversations.

The Question That Matters Most

Amid this uncertainty, one important question remains:

Is your estate plan ready for a pandemic?

Why Review Your Estate Plan Now

A pandemic highlights life’s unpredictability. Now is the time to make sure your legal documents reflect your wishes and protect your family.

Ask yourself:

• Do you have a valid, updated will? Laws vary by state, so your will must comply with where it was signed. If you’ve moved, have you updated it?

• Have you considered recent tax law changes? Federal and state laws may affect what your heirs receive.

• When did you last review your plan? Old documents or missing paperwork can leave your family without clear direction.

Advance Care Directives: Your Medical Voice

If you become seriously ill, who will make medical choices for you? A living will or advance directive gives you that voice.

Think about:

• Would you want to be placed on a ventilator? Under what circumstances?

• What treatments would you accept—or refuse—if you could not speak for yourself?

COVID-19 showed us how critical these decisions can be. Putting them in writing removes confusion and provides guidance for your family.

Protecting Your Family and Assets

If you have children or own assets, your plan should address:

• Guardianship for minor children.

• Trusts to manage and distribute assets.

• Health care proxies and powers of attorney to designate trusted decision-makers.

Don’t rely on memory. Pull out your documents, review them carefully, and confirm they still match your wishes.

Estate Planning During a Pandemic

The good news: updating your estate plan is possible without an in-person meeting. Our office can help by phone, video, or in person.

Preparedness is within your control. A well-crafted plan provides peace of mind and stability for your loved ones in uncertain times.

We’re Here to Help

So—does your estate plan cover a pandemic?

We help families create and update plans that protect their wishes during times of crisis. Let’s make sure you and your loved ones are protected.

📞 Call us at (207) 848-5600 or visit our CONTACT page.