If you are part of the sandwich generation, you know that it can be challenging to oversee your own family while also providing care, guidance, and direction to your aging parents. Bringing up the topic of estate planning with your parents can be a sensitive and challenging conversation. However, it is a crucial one that ensures their wishes are respected and eases the burden on the family during difficult times. Many people find discussing topics like wills, trusts, and end-of-life decisions uncomfortable, but approaching the conversation with empathy and understanding can make it more manageable. In this article, we will explore how to broach the subject of estate planning with your parents, provide information, and foster open communication.
Understanding the Importance of Estate Planning
Parents often think they have everything handled and may have already developed a will, trust, or estate plan. They may not want to talk about it for privacy reasons, or for fear of causing conflict in the family. So, it’s important to broach these conversations with the concept that comprehensive estate planning goes beyond managing assets and wealth distribution; it is a way for your parents to express their wishes, protect the family’s financial future, and provide guidance on medical decisions if they are unable to make them. Stressing the importance of planning can help your parents see the conversation as an act of love and responsibility.
Choose the Right Time and Setting
Selecting an appropriate time and setting is crucial to ensure a productive and comfortable conversation. Avoid bringing up estate planning during family gatherings or holidays, as these occasions may not be conducive to serious discussions. Instead, choose a quiet, relaxed setting where everyone can feel at ease, ensuring that there are minimal distractions. This approach allows for a focused and thoughtful conversation.
Educate Yourself & Express Your Concerns
You can familiarize yourself with the basics of estate planning, before initiating the conversation, with our Free Guide to Estate Planning. This knowledge will enable you to provide valuable information to your parents, making them feel more comfortable and confident in the process. A well-informed discussion can alleviate anxiety and show that you are genuinely invested in their well-being.
Begin the discussion by expressing your concerns in a caring and compassionate manner. Emphasize that you want to ensure their wishes are respected, and you are committed to making the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Reassure them that the conversation is not about prying into their financial affairs but rather about understanding their values and intentions.
In addition, many people do not realize that estate planning and long term care planning are different areas of law. Our elder law attorneys can review your estate plan to ensure that financial and health care considerations are incorporated as part of a long-term care planning strategy. This is especially important for any families facing illnesses like Alzheimer’s or dementia related illnesses.
Encourage Professional Guidance
Suggesting the involvement of professionals, such as estate planning attorneys or financial advisors, can be beneficial. These experts can provide valuable insights, answer specific questions, and guide your parents through the intricacies of estate planning. Emphasize that seeking professional advice ensures that their wishes are legally documented and align with current laws and regulations.
Estate planning often triggers emotional responses, as it involves contemplating one’s mortality and making decisions about family matters. Be prepared for potential emotional reactions from your parents and approach the conversation with empathy. Allow them the space to express their feelings and concerns and assure them that you are there to support and understand, not to pressure or judge. This is another way that an estate planning attorney can provide guidance and ease the burden on the entire process, for you and your parents.
Family Dynamics
When possible, encourage other family members to be part of the conversation. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands the decisions being made. It can also provide a forum for sharing perspectives and addressing any potential conflicts or misunderstandings. A collaborative approach to estate planning fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility among family members. If you have challenging family dynamics, an estate planning attorney can be a neutral force that can guide the conversations and mediate all family members’ concerns and input.
Talk to Your Parents About Estate Planning Today
Talking to your parents about estate planning may be challenging, but it is an essential conversation for the well-being of your family. Approach the discussion with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to their wishes. Remember that estate plans must be adapted when there are life changes within the family. Encourage your parents to view their plan as a living document that evolves with changing circumstances. Life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces can impact the distribution of assets and the appointed individuals for various roles. Regularly reviewing and updating the estate plan ensures that it remains relevant and aligned with their current wishes. With these considerations in mind, starting the conversation about estate planning with your parents can help them leave a legacy and provide peace of mind for everyone involved.
If you need help starting the conversation, explore our Free Guides or contact us to schedule a consultation.