It can be difficult to talk to your parents about estate planning, but it is important that you do. By having a discussion about their wishes and plans for the future, you can help them ensure that their North Carolina estate is handled in the way that they want. So, how do you get started?
Get everyone involved
If you have siblings, it can be helpful to invite them to the conversation. This way, everyone can be on the same page, and no one feels left out. Plus, it can take some of the pressure off of you as the initiator of the discussion as everyone can share their thoughts. Another important person to include in this conversation is your parents’ financial advisor. They will be able to provide valuable insights and guidance on what your parents should do with their estate.
Choose a good time
You’ll want to pick a time when everyone is relaxed and not in the middle of a heated argument about something else. It’s also important to make sure that your parents are not too tired or distracted. If they seem like they’re not in the mood to talk about wills, trusts or other estate planning essentials, it might be best to wait for another day.
Be respectful
It’s important to be respectful when you’re talking to your parents about estate planning. This is a sensitive topic, so you’ll want to avoid coming across as bossy or entitled. Instead, try to frame the conversation as a way to help them.
Your parents have spent their whole lives building up their estate, so it’s important to make sure that everything is handled according to their wishes. Besides that, ensuring that they have an estate plan in place can help prevent disagreements and conflicts down the road.
