It’s not always easy to bring up estate planning—but it’s one of the most meaningful ways to show you care.
Initiating the Conversation: Inheritance and Health Considerations
Think about the touch points that would incentivize your parents to complete their estate plan. This may include ensuring your safety should anything happen to them or letting you know what medical decisions they would make in case they become incapacitated. Your parents may appreciate you thinking ahead. Here are some things you could say:
- “I just want to make sure I know what to do if anything happens to you. Have you considered specifying your healthcare preferences just in case?"
- “It would help me to know what I can expect from my inheritance so I can plan accordingly.”
- "Let's make sure we're all on the same page regarding your wishes for the future."
Lightening the Mood: Light Humor Approach
Coming to the conversation with humor may make it more approachable. If you inherited your sense of humor from your parents, this may be the way to go. Being slightly funny can be a great icebreaker – consider saying something like:
- “I’m the favorite, right? Then what am I getting in your will? *wink wink*"
- "Inheriting a sense of humor is just as important as any material possessions, right?"
- "I just want to make sure I get my inheritance, teehee."
Do it now to avoid stress later
Consider encouraging your parents to handle estate planning now so they don’t have to worry about it later. You can remind them that creating an estate plan will give them peace of mind knowing they’ve done everything they can to keep their family safe and secure even when they’re no longer here. Here are some ways to address the topic:
- “I know you’re not going anywhere soon but I’d hate for you to worry about this if and when anything happens to you.”
- “I just want to make sure we’re prepared for anything.”
- “I’d rather we handle this now so we don’t have to stress about it later.”
Hatch a plan with your sibling
Your sibling may have been your partner in crime in childhood and can be your partner in plan now! Discussing each of your expectations when it comes to inheritance can help you better understand what you want and what would be best for your family. Consider saying things like:
- “Hey sis, how do you feel about bringing up estate planning to the parents together?”
- “I’d love to know what you really want in the inheritance.”
Offer Help
We all need a little help sometimes and maybe that’s what could be holding your parents back from creating their estate plan. With our Estate+ plan, we walk you through how to create a robust estate plan step-by-step. Consider offering your parents help, getting cozy with cups of tea, and completing the document-creation forms together! Here’s what you could say to extend a helping hand:
- “I know creating an estate plan must seem a little daunting, let’s do it together!”
- “I’d love to help you set up your estate plan with GoodTrust.”
- “Creating an estate plan is easier than ever, we can do it online, and I can guide you through the whole process.”
Share concern
One of the reasons you may be thinking about your parents and estate planning could be concern. Concern for their health, assets, and more. It’s okay to share these concerns with your parents. Consider letting them know you want them to take the steps to protect themselves and your family:
- “I’m concerned about what would happen to me and our family if anything happens to you – would you consider creating an estate plan?”
Make it about the (grand-)kids
If you have children, you could consider bringing them up to start the estate planning conversation. Discussing the multiple generations at play may help concretize the importance of estate planning. Consider saying something like:
- “I’d love to know what you’re thinking about leaving me and your grandkids in your will.”
Written by our partner Good Trust