Busy Professionals Want Answers While Navigating the Pandemic Have you noticed the pandemic has created a plethora of new questions but provided very few answers? By Bill Saltz, LegalShield
A common question professionals have been asking is about getting one's affairs in order. It shouldn’t take a pandemic to make basic planning a priority, but it has definitely created more urgency for many Americans.
amount back.” Some common travel questions during the pandemic include: • If I cancel my trip, do I have a right to get a refund on my hotel, plane ticket, etc.?
In fact, Fox Business reported: “In the face of COVID-19, Google traffic on how to make a will is at its highest level ever. And yes, you should have a will in place but you should also have in place a health care power of attorney and a property power of attorney, in case you need a loved one to make a decision for you, should you or your loved ones become unable to make decisions about health care or assets. A health care Power of Attorney is also important if you have adult children (at college or out of the house); otherwise, you won’t be given access to their medical information or be able to weigh in on your children’s treatments, once they are legally adults.”
• My cruise was canceled due to a travel ban. What are my rights? • I’m a student and I’m concerned about my travel or studies abroad. What should I do? • I’m trapped overseas and need to get back home. What are my options? Finances are also a major concern during these uncertain times. A recent survey by The Harris Poll found that nearly nine in 10 (88 percent) Americans say the COVID-19 crisis is causing stress on their personal finances.
Some common questions to consider: • Is my estate planning in order? Is my will prepared and updated?
Some common questions include: • Will the bank foreclose on my home if I miss a mortgage payment due to governmental action and lost wages?
• If I get sick, should I set up a Power of Attorney so a family member can make decisions for me?
• What are my rights if there is a run on the banks?
• Are there any legal documents I need to bring with me to the hospital?
• Can my landlord evict me or can the electric company disconnect me if I don’t pay my bill on time? • Are there any specific legal steps I can take to protect my wealth?
While estate planning is vitally important, it’s not the only thing weighing on people’s minds right now.
For parents with children in school, this is another area of unprecedented uncertainty and concern.
Yahoo Finance reported a recent survey that an estimated 59 million people in the U.S. have lost money because of cancellations of pre-paid travel, sporting events, concerts, Broadway shows, business conferences, weddings, and more.
Some common questions include: • My child's school is closed. What options related to their education are available to me?
Furthermore, the survey found that “Refunds have been hard to come by. Only 30 percent of people in the U.S. who spent money on cancelled plans have received or will get the full
• My child is attending college. Do I have the right to receive reimbursement for services not received, such as housing,
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