As your parents age, you may begin to worry about their well-being and what will happen when they pass on. It’s never easy to deal with these thoughts, but taking action is the responsible thing to do.
Talking about estate planning with your parents is easier said than done, as you don’t want to risk saying the wrong thing and giving them the wrong impression about your intentions.
Here are some of the many tips you can follow to have a meaningful conversation with your parents:
- Set a time and place: Estate planning conversations are important, so you must set a time and place that works for all parties involved. For example, ask your parents in advance if they want to come to your house for dinner to discuss estate planning and related topics. This is better than springing the conversation on them at an inopportune time.
- Make your intentions clear: You don’t want any gray area in regard to your intentions. Make it clear that you want to help them get their affairs in order, and that it has nothing to do with any inheritance you may receive.
- Ask questions: This doesn’t mean you should interrogate your parents, as giving off this impression puts you in a bad light. However, you should feel comfortable asking key questions, such as those associated with long-term care and incapacity planning.
- Prepare for everything: Your parents may get upset during this conversation. Your parents may ask you why you care about their estate plan. Your parents may tell you it’s none of your business. Your parents may break the news that they don’t have an estate plan. These are all things that could come to light during this conversation. When you prepare for everything, you’re ready to deal with anything.
Talking about estate planning with your parents is challenging on many levels, but it’s something you should do at the appropriate time. Not only will it make you feel better, but it’s also likely to do the same for your parents.
If you come to find that your parents need legal assistance, point them toward an estate planning attorney who can review their situation and help them make better decisions in the future.
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