How to Start the Conversation about Estate Planning

Talking about estate planning and living wills is never easy and some are often hesitant to talk to their families about their estate plans and living will because they just don’t know how to bring up the conversation without making everyone uncomfortable. However, it is important to have the discussion with your family and talk about your living will and other end of life planning. Here are a few helpful tips you can use in order to get the conversation started.

1. One way to ease into the conversation is to talk about how you have seen a situation in the news or know of something that has happened to someone you know, regarding their families and a living will.

2. Another easy way to get the conversation going about your estate plans, is to bring to your family’s knowledge, what you have accomplished. Let them know that you have completed your living will and start going into details.

3. Deciding on who will raise your younger children in case something should happen to both you and your spouse is a touchy subject, but one that needs to be planned in case of unforeseen circumstances.

4. Talking casually about inheritances can easily help break the ice and lead into a conversation about your living will and other estate plans.

5. If you are wanting to talk to your parents about a living will, but do not know how to start the conversation, you can always talk to your siblings and think of a how you can all talk to them in a group. This will help by not placing all the stress on yourself, but also help your parents see that the entire family is concerned and wants the best for them.

6. By asking simple questions like where is it you want to retire or when do you want to retire, can easily lead into an estate planning conversation.

7. Simply asking someone what their plans are for the future in a more comfortable and casual environment can help start a conversation about their living will. This is a way to discuss and come up with a plan without labeling it as an estate planning conversation and placing all kinds of stress on someone.

Need Help?

If you are not sure as to what legal document you currently have contact one of our professionals to help you with your estate planning. They will make sure you have all of your grounds covered and have the right legal documents that best suite your wants and needs.