Fear of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has people stockpiling everything from hand sanitizer to toilet paper. But what individuals might also need to be doing is making sure their estate planning documents are in order.
In the face of COVID-19, Google traffic on “how to make a will” is at its highest level ever. Your family and friends should not only have a will, but they should also have in place a Medical Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, and a Durable Power of Attorney in the event they are unable to make decisions for themselves. These documents are also important if you have young adult children (at college or out of the house) because a parent is not allowed to make medical and financial decisions for their children once their children become legal adults.
As a Texas attorney, board certified in the areas of estate planning and probate law for over 22 years, I have recognized that some people do not need an entire estate plan, but instead, may only need a few documents. In response to this need, I have developed a website where you can obtain a limited number of estate planning documents at a lower cost than hiring an attorney to draft the documents. The website is txpowerdocs.com.
Each document costs $50. However, since you are on my web site, you can use the discount coupon code “meredithpc” to receive a 30% discount off the full price of the documents you purchase. This reduces the price to $35 per document.
Through this website, you can personalize and complete the following documents:
Durable Power of Attorney - this document will allow you to appoint an agent to manage your property and financial accounts in the event you become unable to do so.
Medical Power of Attorney - this document will allow you to name an individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.
HIPAA Authorization - this document will allow doctors to share medical information with individuals specifically named by you.
Designation of Health Care Agents for Minors - this document will allow you to name an individual to make healthcare decisions for your minor children in the event you are unable to make health care decisions for them.
Directive to Physicians (Living Will) - this document will allow you to communicate your wishes regarding medical treatment upon illness or injury.
Doctor's Certificate of Incapacity - this document is used by an attending physician to declare that a patient is disabled, incapacitated or incompetent.
If COVID-19 hits your family or friends, they will need these documents. We hope txpowerdocs.com will be a benefit to you and your loved ones. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at meredithpc.com.