4 Tips For Talking About Estate Planning With Your Family Over The Holidays
The holidays offer an ideal opportunity to discuss estate planning, as family members are already gathered together. However, bringing up your dad's end-of-life wishes during a football game might not be the best approach.
To make this discussion as effective as possible, consider the following four tips:
1. Set Aside a Specific Time and Place
Discussing serious topics while opening Christmas gifts isn't productive. Schedule a time dedicated to this conversation, free from distractions and interruptions. Be clear with your family about the purpose of the meeting, so everyone comes prepared. Choose a comfortable, quiet, and private setting to make everyone feel at ease and more likely to open up.
2. Create an Agenda and Set a Start and Stop Time
List the key points you want to cover and stick to them. Encourage open conversation but ensure you cover all important topics. Setting a start and stop time helps keep the discussion focused and prevents it from veering off track. If any crucial points arise that aren't on the agenda, you can always continue the discussion later. The main goal is to initiate the conversation, not to finalize all details.
3. Explain the Importance of Planning
Reassure everyone that the conversation isn't about prying into their finances, health, or relationships; it's about ensuring the family's future security and well-being. Clarifying everyone's wishes helps avoid future conflicts and expenses. When family members understand each other's planning choices, it reduces the likelihood of resentment and costly legal battles.
4. Share Your Own Planning Experience
If you've already created your plan, start by explaining the planning documents you have in place and why you chose them. Share any questions or concerns you had initially and how they were addressed. If some family members haven't started planning and have doubts about its usefulness, discuss their concerns sympathetically and share how you dealt with similar issues.
For the Love of Your Family
Having these discussions can bring clarity and peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be protected and provided for no matter what. Estate planning is not just about financial matters; it's about ensuring that everyone's wishes are understood and respected. Taking the time to have these conversations now can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts in the future.
This article is a service of Zarda Law, S.C. We do not just draft documents; we ensure you make informed decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get financially organized and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by scheduling a Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.
