A holiday dinner could be the right time to begin a conversation about your estate plans.
It may be a good idea to let your family know in advance about your estate plans and an upcoming holiday dinner could be the right time to begin, according to The Street in “Thanksgiving Dinner Is a Perfect Time to Discuss Estate Plans.”
Some people would rather just not talk about death. Others are afraid their family will be upset by the estate planning choices they have made. However, nearly all experts agree that one of the essential ingredients to having a successful estate plan and avoiding family fights over the estate is not to surprise family members with your plans.
The article suggests you talk to your family about your estate plan while eating turkey and stuffing. The reasoning is that everyone is normally in a good mood while eating Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner. If that holds true in your family, it would be a good time to discuss your estate plan.
Of course, if your holiday dinner includes a crazy uncle who irritates everyone else, then it might not be the best time to discuss things.
The bigger point is the best time to discuss your estate plan with your family is when everyone is in a generally good mood already. Whenever that happens to be for your family is a good time to discuss your plans.
An estate planning attorney can guide you through the process of creating the estate plan that fits your needs.
Reference: The Street (Nov. 15, 2016) “Thanksgiving Dinner Is a Perfect Time to Discuss Estate Plans.”
