STEPS FOR DISCUSSING ESTATE PLANNING WITH YOUR PARENTS
When it comes to matters of estate planning, it goes without saying that you have your own questions and concerns. It's important that you deal with these in a fast and efficient manner.
Conversely, you may also find yourself in position to help your parents with their estate planning needs.
While some parents are receptive to assistance, others may not need nearly as much help (if any) from their adult children.
If you want to discuss estate planning with your parents, here are some of the many tips you can follow to start the conversation:
Block off time. Estate planning is something that requires your complete attention, so you want to block off time so that all individuals can focus on the task at hand. This is much better than trying to discuss the topic at a holiday dinner.
Focus on the wants and needs of your parents. Remember, this isn't about you. You want to help your parents get what they want from the estate planning process.
Be careful about what you say. You don't want to come across as pushy. And you definitely don't want to come across as someone who cares about nothing more than your inheritance.
Encourage them to take action. Some people don't put much thought into estate planning. This is why so many people pass on without a will or trust in place. You should encourage your parents to take action, even if they do so without your assistance.
Think about what makes most sense for them. If the time comes to make suggestions, do so based on the wants and needs of your parents.
These are just some of the many tips to follow when discussing estate planning with your parents. When you combine this with a focus on the legal side of things, you'll be in good position to provide a high level of assistance.
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