It can be hard to watch a parent age. Their memory might fade, their cognitive functioning may decline, and they could end up acting in ways that are contrary to their best interests. If this is something that you regularly worry about, then you might also be concerned about whether your parent has their affairs in order.
If they don’t, then you, your family members, and the estate might be left with a mess to sort out when the time comes.
That’s why it might be a good idea for you to talk to your parent about estate planning. After all, they might simply need a nudge to get the ball rolling and create an estate plan that’s right for them, their estate, and their loved ones. That said, this can be a touchy subject to bring up. So, how can you kickstart the estate planning conversation with your parent?
Tips for talking to a parent about estate planning
There’s a right way to approach the topic of estate planning with your parent. This includes:
- Having the conversation with your parent while they’re still healthy so that they’re more receptive to the discussion.
- Telling other family members of your intentions so that there’s no appearance of undue influence.
- Finding a news story or personal account to give you an “in” into the conversation.
- Identifying what your parent values most and how those interests can be protected through sound estate planning.
- Revisiting the topic to ensure that it’s covered in full.
- Taking notes so that you can revisit certain topics and assist your parent in developing a comprehensive view of their estate and their wishes for the future.
Is your parent ready to finalize their estate plan?
If so, then now may be the time for them to discuss the matter with someone who is knowledgeable about the estate planning process. This is something you can discuss with them, too, so that they’ll hopefully lift the pressure of estate planning off their shoulders and can rest easy knowing that they’ve done everything they can to protect their interests, their assets, and their loved ones.