These are unprecedented times, and it’s completely natural for people to begin questioning whether they have legal affairs in order, so that their loved ones and assets are protected if the unexpected should happen. Surveys have shown more than half the population does not have an estate plan on file. Now, more than ever, it’s a critical consideration for front-line health care workers in Houston’s overwhelmed hospital systems. And based on recent guidance from the Houston Independent School District, the importance of estate planning extends to teachers. The fact remains that it’s good advice for every individual to have an estate plan, regardless of an immediate health threat.

Before the novel coronavirus pandemic, an individual and her attorney would meet in person to discuss estate planning goals, as well as complete a detailed questionnaire to further assist the attorney in drafting the initial documents. A typical estate plan includes a last will and testament, a statutory durable power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, directive to physicians and sometimes a trust. It generally takes one week to prepare and assemble the various documents before the attorney can send them out for the client’s review. Once the client is satisfied the estate planning documents reflect the proper disposition of her estate and whom she wants to manage her financial and health care decisions, she would then typically go to the attorney’s office for the execution ceremony. To properly execute a will in Texas, this previously required the signatory, two disinterested witnesses and a notary to all be present at the same time.