We can’t always predict if an emergency or misfortune may strike, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared. In the event of a natural disaster or some family emergency, would you know what to grab and be able to grab it in a matter of a few minutes, or even seconds? Having all your documents and important information organized in an emergency binder, along with your Estate Planning Portfolio, in an accessible location may save a lot of time and avoid a lot of headaches and frustration later on.

• What should be included in an Emergency Binder:
• Vital records such as Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificate, Copies of your Driver’s Licenses, Social Security cards, Naturalization Documents, Passports, and Child Custody Documents.
• Insurance policies (ie. Homeowners, Renters, Auto, Life, and Health)
• Real Estate Deeds, Rental Agreements
• Car Title and Registration
• Copies of your Estate Planning Documents (ie. Trust, Wills, Powers of Attorneys, Health Care Directive)
• A family emergency plan that has contact information and meeting place

While the above list is not exhaustive of what you may need in an emergency binder, with a simple search on the Internet, you can find plenty of emergency document checklists that would cater to your circumstances.  Place your Emergency Binder in a safe but accessible location. Putting it in a fireproof safe may be secure, but consider the amount of time to open it or remembering the access code. Organizing the vital documents will give you peace of mind and protect your family in a time of crisis. 

The rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is creating many challenges worldwide and has raised many concerns in regards to estate planning.

In our last post, we discussed when and how often we should review our current estate plan. Now more than ever we need to make sure we and our loved ones are legally prepared and protected in case the unthinkable happens.

In response to the “stay at home” order from California Governor Gavin Newsom on March 19, 2020, many of us are home, and now would be the time to review your current estate planning documents or get started the process of establishing your estate plan to make sure that you and your loved ones are well protected. Reviewing your documents would include making sure your wishes are set in your Trust, Wills, Powers of Attorneys, Guardianships for your minor children, beneficiary designations on your financial and retirement accounts, life insurance, annuities, etc.

Here are some questions to consider:

1. Who do I want to manage my financial and legal affairs if I become incapacitated or pass away?
2. Who do I want to make health care decisions when I am unable to?
3. Who will take care of my children if I’m not able to?
4. Who do I want to inherit my assets that I have worked so hard for?

We hope for the best for all of you, and please let us know how we can help you and your family during these uncertain times.