As you are no doubt aware, Governor DeSantis has issued Executive Order 2020-91 (posted below) that will go into effect at midnight. This order is in line with the national effort to "flatten the curve" and stop the spread of COVID-19. We know that by this time everyone has heard more than enough about this terrible virus from the news, countless emails, and social media. As an essential professional service that our clients depend on, however, we need to keep you informed as to what we are doing during these uncertain times. We also know that while not all of us will be affected by this disease health-wise, everyone will feel (if they haven't already) the economic fall out that may get harder on our globe before it gets better. Like everyone else, we will do our part as best we can.
FLORIDA GOVERNOR-EO 2020-91
While legal services are considered essential, the Governor's directive is to limit interactions to "when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities". That being said, our clients should experience very little change as to the way you access our services other than limited in person interaction.
So with that, here is a list of changes that we are implementing:
Our office staff will be working remotely from home until further notice
To contact us via telephone, we ask that you leave us a message, and we will return your call promptly during normal business hours or within 24 hours if you call during non-business hours
We will also be available via video conferencing if necessary and upon request
If there are documents that require your signature or any other matter that requires your presence, we will set those appointments on a case by case basis while adhering to CDC guidelines
As always, we will keep you informed about your case or legal matter every step of the way.
Here's how we're doing our part:
We will waive all flat fees until May 31st for all of our core estate planning and healthcare document services for first responders, healthcare workers and professionals, and military personnel actively involved in the fight against COVID-19
For all others we will reduce our flat fees until May 31st for our core estate planning and healthcare document services to encourage those who have not taken this step to get some peace of mind during these uncertain times. Here are some examples:
Wills/Trusts
Designation of HealthCare Surrogate
Durable Powers of Attorney
Living Wills/Advance Directives
In addition, we are working on developing the tools to offer electronic will signing and notary services so that our clients can take advantage of Florida's new electronic wills law
We will also reduce our hourly fees on core legal services until June 30th for small businesses, partnerships, and sole proprietors in an effort to help businesses and employees get back to work when it's time
We will offer limited pro-bono services on a case by case basis to vetted faith-based and non-profit services that are actively involved with combatting COVID-19
We are personally giving to organizations who are sacrificing by going directly to the frontlines such as Samaritan's Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org. While our belief is that giving is usually personal and private, these are extraordinary times, and we would encourage everyone to give whatever they can, even if it's just a smile and a wave to a stranger.
While these are definitely uncertain times, there are a few things to keep in mind,
We are in this together and we will get out of it together. Our country has faced adversity and adapted before; we will do so again now.
A little bit of kindness goes a long way.
We are blessed to live in a country where we don't face an abiding threat to our survival everyday like many others around the world. We should pray for those who do live in those circumstances and do what we can to help.
We should keep the protection of our first responders, healthcare workers, and all others working against this disease in our prayers as well as the wisdom and cooperation of our leaders.
We will leave you with this along with the reminder that we are here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out.
God bless!