A special time of year for a special conversation
As families gather around Christmas trees and dinner tables this week, many parents find themselves wanting to have important conversations with their adult children about the future. While holiday celebrations focus on joy and togetherness, they also provide a unique opportunity to discuss matters that can bring lasting peace of mind to the whole family. In my legal practice, I regularly work with clients who want to talk to their children about estate planning during the holidays, but they're nervous about bringing up such a serious topic. What many don't realize is that having these conversations can actually be a gift to their loved ones.
Estate planning isn't just about preparing for the end of life — it's about ensuring that your wishes are honored and your family is protected. This includes having proper documents in place like a Last Will & Testament, Powers of Attorney for health care and financial decisions, and Advanced Directives. For some families, a Revocable Living Trust might also be appropriate.
The challenge often lies in the different perspectives within families. A child living nearby might see their parents facing age-related changes, while a sibling living across the country may still picture Mom and Dad as they were years ago. This disconnect can make conversations about the future particularly challenging.
I frequently see adult children resist these discussions because they don't want to think about their parents' mortality. Others might feel it's not their place to be involved in such private matters. However, having these conversations while everyone is together can actually bring families closer.
For parents wanting to start this discussion this holiday season, I suggest approaching it from a positive angle. Explain that getting these matters in order isn't about focusing on the end, but about living more fully in the present. Many people feel a constant weight of uncertainty when they haven't addressed their estate planning. Getting it done is really about peace of mind.
For adult children whose parents bring up estate planning during holiday gatherings, I offer this advice: Listen with an open heart. Your willingness to engage in these conversations might be the most meaningful gift you can give your parents this year.
The holiday season, with its emphasis on family and togetherness, provides an ideal setting for these important discussions. While they might feel difficult to initiate, having them now can prevent crisis decisions later and ensure that everyone's wishes are understood and respected. At my firm, we offer free consultations for families wanting to create or review their estate plans. I encourage you to consider that putting these documents in place before they're needed is one of the most thoughtful gifts families can give each other.
Merry Christmas and Very Happy Holidays from Kootenai Law Group!
My law firm is currently offering free telephonic, electronic, or in-person consultations concerning creating or reviewing estate planning documents.
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Robert J. Green is an Elder Law, Trust, Estate, Probate, & Guardianship Attorney and the owner of Kootenai Law Group, PLLC in Coeur d’Alene. If you have questions about estate planning, probates, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianships, Medicaid planning, or VA Benefit planning, contact Robert at 208-765-6555, Robert@KootenaiLaw.com, or visit www.KootenaiLaw.com.
This has been presented as general information and not as legal advice. Do not engage in legal decision-making without the advice of a competent attorney after discussion of your specific circumstances.