Many adult children feel anxious about discussing estate planning with their aging parents. It can be uncomfortable to bring up subjects like death, incapacity, and money, especially when emotions tend to be very complicated around these topics. But if your parents do not have an estate plan in place, or if their plan is outdated, your family could face serious difficulties during an already painful time.
At Anderson Attorneys, P.C., our Cook County, IL estate planning attorney helps families start these conversations with compassion and clarity. Here are five tips to guide you in speaking with your parents about their estate plan.
How Can You Bring Up Estate Planning Without Causing Offense?
You do not need to be confrontational or intrusive to begin the conversation. Instead, focus on your concern for your parents’ well-being and your desire to avoid stress or confusion down the road. Try asking open-ended questions or offering examples from your own life, such as: