Asking the Unthinkable – Uncomfortable Estate Planning Questions

Estate planning is often one of the more difficult areas of the law for people to approach because it deals with so many uncomfortable and possibly upsetting questions. As a recent article in Forbes points out, many people resist estate planning efforts because of the questions they have to ask themselves. Some of these questions may very well be upsetting, but everyone needs to think about them and be honest with their attorney.

Question 1. Who will raise your children?

Any parent should have a plan in place in case both you and your spouse die. This is especially true if you are a single parent, or if the child’s other parent is not involved in the child’s life. If something should happen to you, a guardian will need to be able to take over parenting duties immediately. If you haven’t already selected a guardian, you leave it up to the court to make that decision for you.

Question 2. Do you have skeletons in your closet?

Married couples can go their entire lives without revealing some secrets to one another. If you have a child from a previous relationship, a brother you haven’t spoken to in decades or any other family skeletons in your closet, you will need to reveal these to your estate planning attorney. Though you may have dealt with the situation years ago, the law may not treat the situation in the same manner. You need to be honest and forthright with your attorney if you have any unrevealed family issues.