As your parents age, you may begin to wonder if they have their affairs in order. If they haven’t begun estate planning yet, it might be time to encourage them to help ensure the orderly distribution of their assets.
Many parents may view such conversations as intrusive or premature, while others may simply avoid the topic due to its association with mortality. Despite these challenges, encouraging your parents to begin estate planning is an act of love and responsibility.
Familiarize yourself with the essence of estate planning
Before you bring up the conversation, you should consider educating yourself on the essence of estate planning. Familiarizing yourself with what estate planning entails can help you convince your parents to start putting their affairs in order. Your parents can have an easier time comprehending the benefits of estate planning if you approach the conversation from an informed perspective.
Choose the right time and setting
The time and setting you choose for this important conversation will determine how your parents receive the message. Try to make sure you choose a neutral environment that will not trigger negative emotions. A family gathering, a quiet dinner or a relaxed weekend chat can provide a comfortable atmosphere for the discussion.
Use a gentle and empathetic approach
The last thing you should do when introducing the subject of estate planning is to express urgency by jumping straight into legal matters. Instead, you should highlight your desire to help honor their wishes.
You can say something like, “I want to make sure that we, as a family, are prepared for anything. Have you given some thought to how you prefer your affairs to be handled in the future?” This approach demonstrates care rather than pressure.
If you’re struggling to find a polite approach way of encouraging your parents to begin estate planning, you should consider leaning on an experienced legal team for guidance. The right legal support can help to better ensure that your parents put their affairs in order before they become incapacitated or pass away.