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How to discuss estate planning with your adult children

You’re perfectly within your rights to keep all your estate planning matters to yourself. You don’t have to share your estate plan with anyone, even those who are closest to you. However, there may come a point when you realize the benefits of discussing estate planning with your adult children.

Here are some of the tips you can follow to ease the tension that’s often associated with this conversation:

  • Decide on what you want to share: Maybe you want to lay out your entire estate plan for them to see. Or maybe you simply want to tell them that you have a plan in place, so they don’t have to worry about it. Regardless of the approach you take, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to share.
  • Be honest: Even if you have concerns about your children disagreeing with your estate planning decisions, it’s best to remain open and honest throughout the conversation. Hiding something now can result in trouble down the road.
  • Stay positive: It’s never easy to discuss estate planning, as it forces you to think about a time when you’re gone. However, if you become upset, your children are likely to follow suit. And when that happens, the conversation won’t be nearly as productive.

Estate planning is a big part of your life, so make sure you take the steps necessary to give you and your loved ones peace of mind.

It’s not something you have to do, but consider the benefits of including your children in the estate planning process. This can be as simple as providing some basic details after your plan is already complete. As long as you do what’s right for you, you’ll be happy.

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