Four Tips for Talking About Estate Planning With Your Family Members

Estate planning is essential. Every adult in North Carolina should have a personalized estate plan in place that provides the maximum amount of protection for themselves and their loved ones. Yet, many adults lack an adequate estate plan. The AARP estimates that 6 in 10 American adults do not even have a will—let alone a comprehensive estate plan.

Survey after survey shows that one of the main barriers to estate planning is that it is difficult and uncomfortable for people to talk about. With the right approach, you can make the estate planning conversation easier for your family. In this article, our Monroe estate planning lawyers highlight four tips for talking about estate planning with your loved ones in North Carolina.

1. Start Soon: Advanced Planning is Better

Not only is estate planning more difficult to talk about in a crisis, but it is also less effective. To establish the best estate plan for yourself and your family, start the estate planning process as early as possible and prior to any immediate need for the plan. An added benefit of doing so is that it is easier to discuss your estate plan with your family when starting earlier and when there is not an elevated stress level. You will have plenty of time to address any problems that arise.

2. Be Open, Honest, and Clear

The last thing you want is for there to be a dispute between your family members and/or loved ones. By taking an approach that focuses on clarity, honesty, and open communication, you will be in the very best position to have a strong and positive estate planning dialogue with the people in your life. Openness and clarity help to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3. Let Your Loved Ones Ask Questions

Estate planning allows you more control over your property, your health, and your life in incompetency and in death. The details of your estate plan should be decided based on your personal preferences and circumstances. Of course, it is possible that some of your closest family members may not agree with your decisions. Depending on your circumstances and relationship, it may be best to let them ask questions and raise their concerns. The conversation goes better when people feel that they have been heard.

4. Know that Estate Planning is an Ongoing Process

Finally, it is useful to remember that estate planning is meant to be an ongoing process—meaning the conversation never truly ends. Life is going to bring some unexpected changes. So long as you are competent, your estate plan can always be adjusted during your lifetime to meet the changing needs of you and your family. A North Carolina estate planning lawyer can help you craft a flexible plan.

Contact Our Monroe, NC Estate Planning Attorneys Today

At Plyler, Long & Corigliano, LLP, our North Carolina estate planning lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals and families find peace and protection. Contact our law firm today for your confidential case evaluation. Our law firm provides estate planning services in Monroe and throughout the surrounding areas, including in Indian Trail, Unionville, Wingate, Mint Hill, Weddington, Mineral Springs, Waxhaw, Midland, Stanfield, Locust, and Olive Branch.