
Covid Estate Planning Guide
COVID Estate Planning Guide
At its core, an experienced estate planning attorney is meant to help you for the unexpected. And with more than a million deaths worldwide and counting, COVID-19 can certainly claim the title of one of the most unexpected events in modern world history.
No one could have predicted that a global pandemic would hold the entire world in its deadly grip for months on end, but it happened. This tragedy has injected grief, sorrow, and uncertainty into communities across the world, throughout the United States, and all corners of Arlington, Texas—our home.
Such a tidal wave of change and fear overwhelming our daily lives has, of course, made many feel powerless, but there is a way to prepare for the worst so you never have to feel this helpless again. You can take charge of your family’s future by planning your estate with the help of top estate planning attorneys in Arlington, Texas.
The estate planning attorneys at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, PC understand the importance of having a sturdy, thorough estate plan that can hold up under every manner of legal pressure. And we have seen the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the urgency of planning for the unexpected. We can help. Reach out to our firm to begin your estate planning journey today.
Why Plan Your Estate in the Age of COVID?
We are supposed to be limiting our outings and face-to-face meetings, so why should you make time to meet with an Arlington estate planning attorney? Because there has never been a better time than right now to make sure you have a plan for every situation that could befall you and your family—from untimely death to the inability to make financial or healthcare decisions for yourself. We offer phone conferences and zoom calls for initial consultations so you only have to come in person to sign before a notary.
A deadly virus pandemic is hard to ignore, and this one serves as a daily reminder that nothing is guaranteed. Our safety, our loved ones, our health, and even our ability to enjoy a meal at a restaurant with our families can change in a matter of days.
Ask yourself: If something tragic happens to you, will your family be covered? Will they know how to divide and distribute your assets? If you already have a will, when was the last time you updated it? And do you want the state of Texas to decide who will care for your children, or would you like to make that call?
You have a responsibility to your loved ones to make sure these questions have clear answers. Do not let COVID-19 stop you from upholding that responsibility.
Building Your Estate Plan
Depending on your situation, needs, and desires, your estate plan could contain several important pieces. We discuss some of those pieces in detail below.
Wills
Your will is one of the most important documents to have prepared as part of your estate plan. A will can determine who will inherit your assets and which assets they will inherit; appoint an executor of your estate (the person who will settle your estate and ensure that your assets are distributed as you asked); and who will be the guardian of your minor children.
There are two basic types of wills in Texas:
- Attested wills. This type of will is formal and must be signed by witnesses. This type will enable you to distribute your assets to family members and loved ones, name an executor, and assign a guardian for your minor children.
- Holographic wills. These wills are handwritten completely by you, and they do not necessarily have to be signed by a witness. Holographic wills tend to be legally weaker than attested wills for various reasons.
Larger or more complicated estates may require a trust to ensure all your needs are met.
Why Clients Choose Us
The Right Legal Team Makes All the Difference
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At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, PC, we prioritize clear and consistent communication. Our attorneys are committed to promptly returning calls and emails, keeping you informed at every step of your case.
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With 60+ years of experience, we provide top-tier representation in immigration, family law, personal injury, real estate, estate planning, and business law.
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When legal issues arise, you need a team that acts fast. Our team gets to work immediately, using our expertise to protect your best interests and pursue the best possible outcome.
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Our firm’s long history of service to Texans speaks for itself. Clients trust us for dedicated advocacy, personalized service, and strong results—time and time again.
Reach Out to a Top Estate Planning Attorney in Arlington
No one was prepared for the massive disruption COVID-19 has caused in our lives. But you can be prepared for the unexpected by getting your estate plan in order. A quick Google search will show you that there are hundreds of downloadable forms that supposedly help you create a will or trust—why not use one of those instead of meeting with an estate planning attorney from Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, PC?
Because your estate plan is one of the most impactful legal matters you can undertake. Because one mistake can leave your family members tied up in probate, confused about what happens next, financially vulnerable, and unable to properly grieve your passing.
COVID-19 has highlighted just how urgent this matter is. But a global pandemic that threatens everyone’s health is not the only reason to consider working with an estate planning attorney at our firm. Everyone passes away, but not everyone does their loved ones and themselves in the favor of planning their estate thoroughly.
With Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, PC, you get the benefit of our more than 50 years of experience helping Texans with their estate plans. That means you get unmatched experience alongside top-notch legal knowledge and world-class client service. We do not simply check boxes and push you out the door—we treat every client like family, focusing on the end result and cost-effective solutions to get you there.
We are ready to guide you through every step of your estate planning journey—from the initial consultation to the creation of your will and trust documents, from an honest conversation about your wishes and fears to ensuring that your executor is aware of their responsibilities, to help your loved ones with probate matters.
To find out more or schedule a consultation, contact the Arlington estate planning attorneys at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, PC.