I have seen a lot of movies set in the future, where video calls were the preferred method of communication, and apparently that was amazingly cool.  In “Back to the Future II” the character Marty McFly (Played by Michael J. Fox) was on a video call with his boss, and then was fired by fax.  Apparently this was the futuristic way to communicate in “Back to the Future II.”  In “Spaceballs” the president of the Planet Spaceballs, President Skroob, was in the middle of a “nature call” when he took a video call on the wall of the restroom.  While it made for a funny scene, I don’t think the future of video calls involves such things.  In fact, I have read stories on the internet of people losing their jobs over where they were or what they were doing on a video call during the COVID-19 pandemic.  While the stories of people accidentally showing their work colleagues inappropriate or incorrect things via video call may be funny, I do think they show video calls may not be quite as futuristic and cool as shown in movies.

 

Remote Notarization and Virtual Meeting Limits

Certainly video calls and virtual meetings are here to stay, but virtual meetings can only go so far.  I meet with people via video conference, as necessary, and have met with people this way much more often during the COVID-19 pandemic.  However, there are limits to video calls.  I am happy to meet with people virtually to gather information, answer questions, and start working on an estate plan.  But, when it comes time to sign an estate plan, that is much better to handle in person.  Colorado passed some emergency, and now semi-permanent rules to allow for remote notarization, but I find that meeting in person to get an estate plan signed tends to work much better.

 

Travel an Issue? Consider Meeting at Your Home Instead

Meeting in person does not mean that you will need to come to my office.  As always, I am willing and able to go to where you are to get an estate plan signed.  I am also willing to go see you where you are to start the process and meet in person to discuss what you need.  Meeting in person has advantages all to itself, and if you want me to meet with you at your home, that may be even better for you.  Meeting you at your home may mean that you have better access to the information I may need.  A home meeting may be much more convenient for you.  A home meeting may also be the best possible way for you to get your estate plan done with a minimum of interruption to your life.  Of course, we can also do a video conference for a virtual meeting, but really whatever is best for you is good for me.

 

Doing Your Will or Trust at Home May Be Most Comfortable For You

Most people I know are quite comfortable in their own homes.  They may have their favorite chair, or a favorite couch, or even a patio or sunroom to use for a meeting.  I find that if my clients are relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings, they tend to be more likely to discuss a difficult topic like estate planning with ease.  Of course, like most other gatherings in a home, I often end up sitting at a kitchen table with people.  I find it amusing that people will spend so much time and effort on many rooms in their homes, yet when company comes over, most people almost always end up in the kitchen…perhaps that is why kitchen remodels are so popular, but I digress.

In addition to people being comfortable in their own homes, people tend to have access to a lot of the information I need, like bank statements, or information on financial accounts, or even a deed to their own home.  I don’t always need access to the information, but when I do need something, I find that people have their files at home and can easily access the information when needed.

 

Doing Your Estate Plan at Home Can be More Convenient For You

I do have some people who don’t want me to come to their homes.  This is trust, whether you are concerned they haven’t had time to clean properly, or you would prefer an in office visit, or video meeting.  If that is you, then I can respect that.  However, many people don’t want to try to go out and find my office.  They would prefer I be the one who has to find their house and fight traffic, not them.  Traffic is not necessarily the only thing that may be less convenient, but I do have clients I meet at their homes right before rush hour starts.  If that is the case, I am willing to take on a drive home through rush hour, so you don’t have to do so!  I often times find myself finding somewhere to work until traffic dies down.  If you don’t have to drive to see me and share the road with a bunch of other people (especially at rush hour!) I can do that for you.

Mostly, if we meet in your own home, then you can be there before and after our meeting, so I am interrupting your other activities as minimally as possible.  My goal is to make the estate planning process as easy on you as possible.  I just want you to be able to get your estate plan completed, so if I can make a home visit to see you, then that helps you get your estate plan done, and we are both happy.

 

Home Meetings May Not Be For Everyone

I do understand that not everyone wants or needs a home meeting.  Some people really like video conferences.  I am OK with video conferences, but have always been partial to in-person meetings, so that is my preference.  Other people want to meet at my office because it is a more professional setting.  I am perfectly happy with that, too.  Basically, I will meet with you wherever you prefer, but I find home meetings often are helpful to you.  Whether you want to meet me at your home, my office, or via video conference, I just want to help you get your estate plan done.  In the most convenient location for you, or of course.  To set up a meeting at a place that is convenient for you, you can go here.