How To Discuss Estate Planning With Aging Loved Ones

December 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) How to discuss estate planning with aging loved ones

Dealing with the discussion of inheritance while a loved one is in their old age can sometimes be a challenging and uncomfortable experience. However, there are many reasons why discussing a person's will can be beneficial for all family members in the long run, and conversations about estate plans should not be avoided simply because they might feel awkward.

Elderly family members will have differing responses to the subject of their own estate planning, but there are a number of approaches that you can take to make sure the process is as positive as possible.

Remember what you are discussing

Death is a subject that no one looks forward to discussing with their family members, especially not with aging relatives. Remember that when discussing estate planning with an elderly loved one, you are requesting that they think about things that are emotional and sometimes upsetting in nature. Be compassionate and understanding of how difficult the process could be for your loved one. It can be helpful to emphasize the positive side of the planning process, which is to make sure that the wishes of your loved one are honored and that no conflicts arise between family members in the future. A lack of communication between family members can be a significant issue when it comes to probate disputes over wills and other estate planning documents.

Make decisions as a family

When you decide that the time is right to speak to your parents or other loved ones about their inheritance plans, it's a good idea to approach your siblings or other close family members first. Talk about how you will broach the subject together and what your feelings are about some of the inheritance issues that might arise. Make the estate planning process something that you do together as a family unit.

Having support from your siblings and approaching your parents as a united front will make the discussion a lot easier. Working on any disagreements that exist between you and your family members now can help avoid the unfortunate situation that often occurs when family members have conflicts about estate issues after a loved one dies.

Professional help with estate planning

The important thing to keep in mind is that, while estate planning may be a difficult thing to consider, it is important to have a valid will in place.

Sometimes, bringing in a lawyer can make the process easier. As reported by the Associated Press, a recent study by Fidelity Investments shows that 68 percent of older parents feel more comfortable discussing estate planning issues with a third-party professional instead of their child. Encourage your family members to consult an attorney to have their will written, and if you feel you need further assistance it might be helpful to consult an inheritance planning professional. An estate planning attorney can help families with wills, power of attorney and trusts.

Article provided by Law Offices of Carmine L. Gentile
Visit us at http://www.carminegentilelawoffices.com