When you make an estate plan of your own, it’s important to discuss this plan with your loved ones. It’s no secret that the death of a loved one can cause fights between family members, but sometimes knowing what to expect when someone passes away can make a difference. A Washtenaw County estate planning attorney can help you make a plan and figure out how you should talk to family members about it.
What Should My Family Know About My Estate Plan?
If your family members know a bit about your estate plan before you pass away, that can reduce the possibility that shock or surprise will cause infighting later. We recommended sitting down with your loved ones to explain:
- Who is included in the will
- If there are any big differences in their inheritance amounts
- Whether you are making use of estate planning tools like trusts
- Who would be in charge of administering the will or estate plan
It’s also a good idea to tell at least one person where any important documents can be found. You don’t want people wondering where estate planning documents and important financial statements are once you’ve passed away. It can even be a good idea to leave someone with a list of your online accounts and passwords in case anything from your digital life needs to be accessed.
What Are Some Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Stress For Family Members?
Unfortunately, sometimes people approach this discussion in the wrong way and struggle to have a civil conversation about these matters with their family members. It’s important to approach this with the right attitude and make sure that:
- You are having the conversation in a neutral and calming setting
- You are clear about why you have structured your estate plan in this way
- Anyone who is supposed to take on important roles, like guardianship of children, are informed right away
If you are leaving behind less than your loved ones expected, it can be a good idea to let them know more about your thought process. Whether you decide to donate more of your assets to charity, believe that one of your children needs more money than the others, or decide to make a professional like a lawyer your executor instead of a family member, being upfront about your plans can make a difference.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Estate Plan?
You can try to set up an estate plan on your own, but we don’t recommend it. An estate planning lawyer can help you ensure that no assets are left out and that things like life insurance policies and retirement accounts stay up to date with the right beneficiaries. We can also let you know if you would benefit from setups like trusts.
Meet With an Estate Planning Lawyer
When you are ready to learn more about your estate planning options, contact Collis, Griffor & Hendra. Make sure that your plan is legally binding and that nothing important gets left out with the help of our attorneys.
