Now is the Time to Talk with Your Estate Planning Attorney
No perfect time exists to broach the subject of estate planning with your family. Although we all know that everyone eventually passes away, most of us choose to try to forget that reality. Faced with the decision between taking the initiative to start a family discussion about estate planning and putting it off until later, most people opt for the latter. But that could leave your family open to some unpleasant consequences in the future. That is why, as unappealing as it may seem at first, now is the perfect time to schedule a family meeting.
The short- and long-term value of calling a family meeting
One of the biggest obstacles to successful estate planning is procrastination. Has it been a while since your plan was updated or reviewed? Have you ever discussed estate plans with your family? We encourage you to take the leap. Here are some suggestions for how to broach the subject.
Contrary to what you might believe, the best way to begin a discussion about estate planning isn’t to talk about specific documents. Commonly used words in our profession – wills, trusts, and Power of Attorney, or assets sound cold. Instead, begin a conversation by talking to your family about goals, plans, and hopes for the future. In the short term, meaningfully connect with your family and express your care for them. After all; that’s what your estate plan represents. In the long term, you will sleep more soundly if you know your family knows you have a plan and understands why you designed it the way you did.
Get started on securing your family’s future
An estate plan can help empower your family’s goals by providing a framework for the effective passing of wealth from one generation to the next. But start the conversation within the family after meeting with your estate attorney so you know what to share. We can help you create a plan that makes sense. Then, you can continue with a discussion about the plan with your family. This conversation is especially important to successor trustees, executors and agents.
Start the discussion while everyone is still here (and doing well). Don’t wait until you suffer a loss or significant medical issue. You will make things easier on your loved ones if you clearly communicate your wishes instead of subconsciously thinking they can read your mind. If everyone in the family knows what to expect in the event of a death in the family, they can spend time focusing on supporting each other and grieving rather than scrambling to assemble paperwork. In some cases, sharing the reasons behind your plan can eliminate or minimize conflict. Sadly, this often occurs in the immediate aftermath of the death of a parent or grandparent.
Schedule an Estate Planning Meeting Today!
January is the perfect month to start organizing everything in your life. Why not start with a discussion about your family’s estate planning? Call today so we can get you ready to cover important points with your family. Creating and sharing an organized plan will help you will rest easy so you can focus on quality time with the ones you love.
About Skvarna Law
A skilled attorney can assist with your estate plan. Contact us today to learn about your options (909) 608-7671. We operate offices in Glendora and Upland, California. We provide legal services for individuals living in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties. This includes the cities of Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Colton, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Glendora, Claremont, Montclair, Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Corona, Norco & Mira Loma. Visit SkvarnaLaw.com to learn more.
