Discussing estate planning with your parents can seem daunting. It can be a delicate and uncomfortable conversation. However, adult children must know if their parents have a plan and whether it is up-to-date.
Here are some tips on how to approach them in a way that is respectful and helpful.
Find the right time and place
The time and place you approach the subject are essential for estate planning. The subject can be touchy, and some parents do not want to discuss something that makes them think of death. Choosing a private setting where your parents feel relaxed and a time when they are not busy or supposed to be somewhere else are ways of making them feel more comfortable.
Empathy and respect
When you approach the subject, consider your parents’ emotions and express care and concern for them. Expressing empathy is vital to having an honest, transparent conversation. Let them know that you want to ensure their wishes are honored.
Personal experience
It may help to mention that you are considering creating or recently updating an estate plan. Many people have an old will stored at home but never update it, which can be as bad as not having one. An updated estate plan that reflects your current circumstances and wishes is essential.
You can also use a current event related to estate planning in the news or media to help ease into the conversation.
Importance of estate planning
Emphasize the importance of having an updated will and estate plan in place and how it can give them peace of mind, reduce potential conflict among beneficiaries and clear up any misunderstandings about their intentions.
Offer to help them
If your parents need help with estate planning, whether creating a will or estate plan or revising an existing document, offer to help them. Offer to help them find an experienced estate planning attorney to gather the necessary information and ensure their documents comply with state and local laws.