Don't Be Frosty! Keep The Conversations Warm
Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. If you plan to take some time to relax with family and friends, this could be a good opportunity to start having discussions about your estate plan or perhaps estate plans for aging family members. Conversations surrounding estate planning often require delicateness. To get the wheels turning, it can be helpful to approach the topic in a casual way without pressure to make quick decisions. Below are a few questions that might help get these conversations started.
Are there any specific gifts of jewelry, family heirlooms, or other items that you plan to give to designated individuals after you pass away?
Who would you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot? Do you have any preferences when it comes to your medical care?
Do you plan to give your assets to your children, charities, or both after you pass away?
Is there a friend or family member you feel would be best suited to distribute your assets as you wish after you pass away?
If you become incapacitated, who would you like to handle your personal business such as banking decisions on your behalf?
Have you ever considered who you would feel comfortable selecting as the guardian for your children?
Views on life and death vary widely, so it is best to approach conversations regarding estate planning with gentleness. While such conversations are a necessary starting point in an important process, gauging and meeting comfort level can help to ensure productivity.