Help Your Parents Plan!

If you already have an estate plan in place, then you understand the importance of planning for the future.  If your parents have been putting of their planning, it’s important for you to express your concerns about their future.

Take a look at some of the tips below for advice on how to talk to your parents about their estate planning needs.  If you have any questions about helping your parents with their estate plan, consult with an estate planning attorney.

• Talk about your own plans.  Express the comfort that you feel knowing that you have a proper plan in place.  It’s also important to express to your parents how easy planning can be with the help of a professional.  Talk about your personal experience with creating your estate plan.  This can help your parents better understand the process and feel more at ease.
• Express your concerns.  It’s important to share your concerns with your parents.  This may help to further illustrate the need for planning.  Consider asking your parents questions about the future.  While it may be difficult for your parents to answer your questions and think about upsetting topics, it can help to show your parents the need for an estate plan.
• Make your parents feel comfortable.  Allow your parents to lead the conversation.  If they begin to ask questions about planning, answer their questions and address their concerns.  Make them feel comfortable about the entire process.  Explain that you will take your parents to an attorney in order to better understand estate plan creation.

 

Talk to your parents about creating an estate plan.  You can help to make sure that your parents are protected for the unexpected.  If you have any questions about helping your parents start an estate plan, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.