One of the most important conversations you may have with your family in California is about your estate plan. This is a difficult conversation to have, but it is important. Unfortunately, many people avoid this topic because they don’t want to deal with the emotions involved. However, you can make things easier by doing the following:
Get a comfortable place to talk
The first step is to find a comfortable place to have the conversation. You want to be able to talk openly and honestly with your family. It may be helpful to:
- Choose a time when everyone is relaxed
- Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted
- Have the conversation face-to-face
Start the conversation
The best way to start the conversation is to simply say that you want to talk about your estate plan. You can explain that you want to make sure that your family knows what your wishes are. This will help them understand why it is important to have this conversation. If you are having trouble starting the conversation, it may be helpful to be creative and talk about your own experience, bring up a news story or use an estate planning analogy.
Listen to your family’s concerns
After you have started the conversation, it is important to listen to your family’s concerns. They may have questions or concerns that you haven’t thought of. By listening to their concerns, you can address them and help put their minds at ease.
You may also want to ask your family what they think about your estate plan and answer any questions they have. This can be a helpful way to get feedback and make sure everyone is on the same page.
After you have had the conversation, it is important to start putting your estate plan into action. This may include drafting a will, appointing a power of attorney or creating a trust. You should also make sure to review your estate plan regularly and update it as needed.