How to discuss your estate plan with your kids

On Behalf of Bassett & Gabriel Law Office, P.C.   |   Apr 18, 2022   |   Blog, Estate Planning

One of the most important conversations you can have with your children in Illinois is about your estate plan. This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s one that is crucial to have. By discussing your estate plan with your children, you ensure that they know what to do and expect in the event of your death.

Find a suitable place to have the conversation

You want to be sure that you’re not interrupted during the conversation and that everyone is comfortable. Therefore, it’s important to find a place where you can all sit down and talk. You need to consider the location as well as the time of day. For instance, you might want to have the estate planning conversation in your living room after everyone has had dinner. You can also go to a park or coffee shop.

Have a plan for the conversation

You don’t want the conversation to be too long or too short. You also don’t want it to be all over the place. It’s important to have a plan for what you’re going to say. This will help the conversation flow smoothly and help everyone stay on track.

Start by saying why you decided to have the conversation. Then, explain what estate planning is and why it’s important. You can talk about how it ensures that your assets get distributed according to your wishes.

Be honest about your estate

Be honest about what you have and what you don’t have. You don’t want to mislead your children or give them false hope. If you don’t have much, that’s okay. You can still explain how your assets will be distributed.

Address any concerns

Your children might have some concerns about estate planning. It’s important to address these concerns so that everyone is on the same page. For instance, your children might be worried about what will happen to their inheritance. You can explain that you have a plan for how it will get used and distributed.

Remember, estate planning is about more than just money. It’s also about ensuring that your children are well taken care of after you’re gone. By having the conversation now, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your estate plan is carried out according to your wishes.