Discuss Your Estate Planning With Family Members

Creating an estate plan is beneficial to your family.  This gives you the opportunity to tell your family members how you want certain affairs handled if you become disabled or die.  It is important to discuss your estate planning with your family so that every family member knows his or her responsibility.  It is important to make sure that each family member feels comfortable with the duties that are required.  An estate planning attorney can help you discuss these matters with your family members.

Consider speaking with family members this year.  You can share the amount of information that you feel comfortable with.  Below are some tips to help you get the conversation started:

• Tell adult family members that you have taken the steps to implement estate planning with the help of an estate planning attorney.  Also be sure to tell adult family members where important papers and legal documents can be found.  This also includes telling family members where contact information can be found.
• If you feel comfortable, share the details of your estate plan with adult family members.  It can be beneficial to let trusted helpers know what responsibilities they will have.  This is a great time to have family members meet with your attorney.  They will be able to better understand what a power of attorney is or what a trustee’s responsibilities include.
• If you feel that it is appropriate, disclose important financial information with family members.  Only share the amount of information that you feel comfortable with. 
• Based on the age of your young children, answer questions and provide information about the future.  It is important that your children feel safe and loved.  Concerns may arise and questions may be asked when your child loses a loved one or a pet.  As your child gets older, you may feel that you are able to share more information.

If you need advice about the best way to speak with your family members about your estate planning, consult a professional estate planning attorney.  Your attorney can host a meeting to help you throughout this process.