Estate Planning From The Comfort Of Your Own Home
Your entire estate planning process can be done from the comfort of your own home using our virtual estate planning process. The virtual estate planning process mirrors our traditional estate planning process, with the added convenience of not having to travel to implement your comprehensive estate plan.
Our estate planning attorneys are fluent in the technology and protocols necessary to ensure a seamless virtual estate planning experience. We achieve this by conducting all virtual estate planning meetings via Zoom. We deliver our client’s draft estate planning documents electronically within a week of receipt of their completed questionnaire. At our next virtual meeting, we use Zoom’s screen sharing functionality to review the documents in the same manner we would in person. Execution is then handled on a case-by-case basis depending on the client’s preferences: we can deliver the full suite of documents to the client’s home for them to execute in front of a notary nearest them, or clients can work with our team to arrange for alternative execution accommodations led by our team at our offices or a location of the client’s choosing.
Virtual Estate Planning: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding virtual estate planning. Please feel free to call us at 925-317-1028 or email us with any specific questions you may have.
What does the virtual estate planning process look like?
Our virtual estate planning process is largely identical to our in-person estate planning process. We achieve this by conducting all virtual estate planning meetings via Zoom, beginning with your initial consultation with one of our estate planning attorneys. After that initial meeting, our team securely delivers your estate planning documents to you electronically. At our next virtual meeting, we use Zoom’s screen sharing functionality to walk you through the documents in the same manner we would in person. Execution is then handled on a case-by-case basis depending on your preferences, as is discussed in more detail below.
How will I know who is preparing my documents?
Estate planning is a very personal process that requires open communication between attorney and client. In order to build and maintain this trust during the virtual estate planning process, all clients are invited to participate in their estate planning meetings via Zoom videoconference. This allows our attorneys to speak to clients face-to-face, and provides an opportunity for seamless document review via Zoom’s screen sharing and markup capabilities.
I am not great with technology. Will I have trouble with virtual estate planning?
No. Zoom is a free and easy to use tool that is accessible from your computer or smartphone. When you schedule a meeting with us, our team will send you a link directing you to install Zoom with just one click. If you have any questions, our team is ready to assist – just give us a call or send us an email.
I want to know what I’m signing, how do I review all of this paperwork electronically?
We understand that it can be difficult to process information received electronically. Although we can display and review all of the documents via Zoom screensharing, many clients prefer to print the documents to refer to them during our meeting. In the event you do not have a printer at home but would like to review hard copies, we’re happy to arrange to have the documents delivered to your home.
What is the typical turnaround time?
Our current turnaround time is approximately one week for the standard estate plan. We are of course available to prepare estate plans more quickly in the event of an emergency.
How will I execute my documents? Do I need to get them notarized?
Execution is handled on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual client’s circumstances and comfort level. Many clients opt to execute their documents at home following the instructions we provide at our final meeting. Because certain documents must be notarized and California does not currently permit notarization via videoconference, we will work directly with you to arrange for access to a notary nearest you, or arrange for those documents to be executed at our offices at your convenience or at another location convenient to you.
How do I begin the process?
Call us at 925-317-1028 or email us to discuss the estate planning process and answer any questions.
