Amidst the global shutdown, we at Makofsky Valente Law Group, P.C. have been very busy. Uncertain times lead to concerns about estate plans already made and estate plans that should have been made but never were because infirmity and mortality seemed so far off in the future. Times change and we have all pivoted. We have accommodated many new and old clients who wanted to revise their documents or create new ones during the pandemic. We implemented a protocol for clients to continue to safely use our legal services by allowing for technology-based client conferences and signing of documents accomplished via social distancing guidelines.
While New York has been “On Pause” by order of Governor Cuomo, remote virtual notarizations and remote witnessing of trusts, wills, powers of attorney and health care proxies were authorized via a number of Governor Cuomo’s executive orders. Following the Governor’s initial order, we immediately incorporated virtual executions into our protocols to allow our clients to remain safely in their homes and us in ours while still making sure that all documents were executed properly and within the law. Although the Order allowing for virtual signings was supposed to sunset on May 7, the necessity for social distancing has continued and consequently, Governor Cuomo has extended remote notarizations and witnessing until June 6, 2020. We expect, however, that the requirement for social distancing will continue to be an ongoing necessity and that the Governor is likely to extend the original Order into the Fall. At the Makofsky Valente Law Group, P.C., we are prepared and we will continue to assist our clients in creating documents that suit their needs while protecting our clients, their families and our team.
If estate planning is on your radar but you have been procrastinating for one reason or another, now may be the time to think about putting a plan in place. Keeping our clients and staff safe and prepared is of paramount importance to us. Feel free to give us a call.
