T.G.I.F! What a long strange week it has been. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live our lives, the way we do business and the way we interact with each other. The pandemic has also changed the way legal proceedings are handled.

Here’s a run-down of some of the relief efforts that may be helpful to you. Foreclosures are on hold until at least May, so please don’t worry if you are laid off and can’t pay the mortgage. You have some time and programs are very likely to be developed to help. Mortgage relief from the Government may be on the way, but in the meantime some banks have stepped in to extend mortgage due dates to folks out of work because of the pandemic. Likewise, if you can’t pay your car loan, call your bank. Some are starting to offer relief programs for other types of loans as well. The House passed the $2 trillion stimulus package today, and the President just signed it. It won’t be much, but that check will buy food and necessities and you should have it within 3 – 4 weeks. We are thankful for this assistance.

Most Courts (Federal and State, civil and criminal) are only holding emergency hearings. The vast majority of hearings are being rescheduled – if the courts do hold hearings, most are doing so telephonically.

One benefit of the Coronavirus is that the State and Federal tax deadline is extended to July 15, so that’s another thing off your plate temporarily.

In this uncertain time, we are especially thankful for all the healthcare workers who are putting themselves at risk each day and working long hours to care for the sick. The conditions being reported from hospitals in NY are horrifying. Access to personal protective equipment is a concern – if you have any masks or other personal protective equipment, consider donating to a healthcare agency.

For our part, our Firm is offering to prepare financial and/or healthcare powers of attorney for FREE to any and all healthcare workers that need one. These complimentary services include virtual meetings with one of our attorneys and electronic document preparation and execution. If you work in healthcare, please take a moment to make sure YOU are protected. Feel free to email Thethefrontdesk@EPLC2000.com if you’re interested. We are sincerely grateful for all that you do.

Beckett Law LLC, and its subsidiary firms CT Bankruptcy and Estate Planning Law Center will continue to stay abreast of all news, announcements, and policies that have developed as a result of this pandemic. We value your business and the relationship we have built with you over the years. We urge you to heed the CDC’s guidance about hand-washing and physical distancing and we are confident that we will be able to meet face-to-face and shake hands again soon.

Stay safe!