Finances and mortality are two of the most challenging things to bring up and discuss productively with the ones you love most. But these are essential conversations to have if you want an estate plan in California that is airtight and fully understood amongst all parties involved.
It’s a sensitive topic for most people
No matter how comfortable and open you feel about having the estate planning talk beforehand, it still may be a struggle to figure out how to broach the subject. Even when you’re close to your family, there are certain financial details you might want to keep private. Some families don’t realize how important this privacy is to them until it comes time for this talk.
One of the most important things to remember throughout this inevitably challenging to is to remain sensitive throughout. A little caring and understanding can go a long way at a time like this. There are going to be strong emotions coming from all directions. You can help the conversation move more smoothly with patience and by trying to see things from the perspectives of the others who are involved.
Make sure you don’t assume anything
Without an open conversation, assumptions that aren’t an accurate reflection of the situation or people’s positions might be made. One common way that a communication breakdown can erode your estate plan is when you presume that a certain family member would be the perfect fit to manage your assets.
While it’s true that the individual would make the ideal trustee in your eyes, it’s important to verify that this person actually feels the same way. The person you choose also has to show that they are truly up for the task to ensure that your estate will be in good hands.
The personal and financial benefits of discussing your estate plan shouldn’t be ignored, no matter how hard it is to open up the initial talk. The good news is once you’ve broken the seal, it usually becomes less uncomfortable to continue the conversation. Whether it’s the parents or their grown-up kids, this conversation is an essential time to find out what your main areas of concern are.