By: Michelle Wong
The team at the Law Office of Jonathan D. Sykes extends our best wishes to all our past and present clients and residents of our community during this time. We hope this message finds you well and that you and your loved ones are safe and taking proper precautionary measures, such as washing your hands, social distancing, strengthening your immune system, and staying home when you are sick. While we all may instinctively realize the importance of effective estate planning documents, the current COVID-19 crisis is a good reminder that proper planning prevents problems, and in critical instances, may be the difference between life and death. Now is the time to plan and prevent problems if you get sick.
If you should find yourself hospitalized, whether for COVID-19 or something else, at some point, doctors may reach both their legal limits or the limits in the hospital’s policies. Further, your family may also reach their statutory limits. Without the proper estate planning documents in place, an emergency guardianship may be required. If this were the case, it would be a race against the clock. Due to COVID-19, courts around the country are postponing cases and limiting operations. As a result, it may be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for an emergency guardianship to be granted in time to save your life.
Guardianships in Texas may cost you around $8,000-$10,000 or more. You might even find yourself paying an additional $3,000-$4,000 for an emergency guardianship. At our office, Mr. Sykes prepares Medical Powers of Attorney for the competitive cost of, usually, under $200. This one legal document, properly drafted, may prevent the necessity for an expensive, untimely guardianship. Directives to Physicians are typically $50. You may also want Mr. Sykes to prepare a HIPAA Authorization to ensure your family members are not left in the dark when it comes to your current state and treatment plan. You may also consider Wills, Trusts, Statutory Durable Powers of Attorney, etc. Mr. Sykes offers a special “bundle” 5-10% discount if he prepares several documents in a single meeting. In most cases, clients walk out the same day with the documents in hand.
To promote public health, and in hopes of doing our part to prevent further community spread of COVID-19, the Law Office of Jonathan D. Sykes is now offering you the choice to come into the office for a discounted consultation or, a slightly more costly video conference consultation, for those unable to leave their homes. Please telephone our office (281) 894-6598 and schedule an appointment with Jonathan D. Sykes to get these important estate planning documents prepared before you need them. Remember, Proper Planning Prevents Problems!
© Jonathan D. Sykes 2020