Discussing estate planning with your loved ones can be intimidating. However, these conversations are crucial to ensuring your parents, grandparents or other family members have the legal documents they need in place before something happens. The holidays can actually be a good time to have a conversation about estate planning with your parents or grandparents because it’s likely your family has already scheduled time together.
Following are some tips for how to make the conversation about estate planning a little easier:
1. Choose the Right Location:
Choose a comfortable location for this conversation. A familiar, relaxed setting can ease any anxieties and help your loved ones feel more receptive to the conversation.
2. Be Intentional and Empathetic:
Clearly communicate your intent to discuss estate planning with your family. This will give everyone time to prepare their thoughts and questions.
3. Be Prepared:
Estate planning is not only about death but also about being prepared in case of hospitalization, cognitive impairment, or incapacity. Jot down some questions to ask, such as: What medications are you currently taking? What doctors do you frequently see? What legal documents are already in place (Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, Advanced Directive for Healthcare)? Have you prepaid funeral arrangements? Where are things located, including medication, legal documents, monthly bills, insurance cards, and contact list for doctors, professionals and friends?
4. Make a Checklist and Take Notes:
During your conversation, take detailed notes, including the locations of important documents. You may want to create a checklist so you know what estate planning tasks have already been completed and what tasks will need further action and follow up.
5. Discuss Early and Often:
Do not wait to discuss estate planning. Start early to ensure you give your loved one time to make choices and execute legal documents. If you wait until a loved one has a health issue, such as a cognitive impairment, they may no longer be able to communicate their preference or enter into legally binding contracts. After your initial conversation, schedule periodic check-ins to confirm all information is accurate, action and the action steps have been taken.
Schedule an Estate Planning Consultation for your family or yourself with Wheat Law by calling (770) 404-5770 or by emailing us at info@wheat-law.com.