Tips for Talking to Elderly Parents About Estate Planning

Estate planning is an essential aspect of life that can often be overlooked or put off until it’s too late. As our parents age, it becomes increasingly important to have conversations about estate planning to ensure their needs are met and their assets are distributed according to their wishes. However, these conversations can be difficult and uncomfortable to initiate.

Many adult children may avoid such conversations, but they can be vital in protecting your elderly parents against abuse or exploitation. Turner Law is a Decatur, GA, Elder Care Law Firm that can provide guidance and resources when dealing with elderly parents and estate planning.

Here are some tips for talking to your elderly parents about estate planning.

Start the Conversation Early

Starting the conversation about estate planning early is essential, ideally before your parents’ health declines. This will give everyone involved enough time to discuss their wishes and make any necessary arrangements. Waiting until it’s too late can result in legal battles, family disputes and unnecessary stress. Plus, trying to undo the actions precipitated by an abusive or manipulative caregiver or another actor can be much more hurtful, costly and time-consuming.

Be Respectful and Compassionate

When discussing estate planning with your elderly parents, being respectful and compassionate is important. This sensitive topic can bring up many emotions, so it’s essential to approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. It can be difficult to accept that after raising and caring for you, they need help making important decisions about their future.

Listen to Their Concerns

Your parents may have concerns or fears about estate planning that they may not feel comfortable sharing. Listening to their concerns and addressing them thoughtfully and respectfully is essential. There may be questions or misunderstandings about control or the quality of care they desire. By addressing these concerns, you can help alleviate their fears and make the process easier for everyone involved.

Have a Plan in Place

Before starting the conversation about estate planning, it’s essential to have a plan in place. This includes identifying any potential issues or concerns that may come up, such as disagreements between family members or legal issues. Having a plan can help ensure the conversation goes smoothly, and everyone involved is on the same page. Turner Law in Decatur can provide some helpful resources and guidance to help you create a plan for initiating and having these critical conversations.

Get Help from an Atlanta Elder Law Attorney

Having a conversation about estate planning with elderly parents can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it’s a critical discussion that needs to be had. By starting the conversation early, being respectful and compassionate, listening to their concerns and having a plan, you can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and everyone’s wishes are met.

A professional and compassionate Elder Law Attorney can often help facilitate these conversations. Georgia Attorney Robert Turner has experience in these matters and demonstrates tact and skill in presenting information in a non-threatening and easily understandable way. Contact Turner Law for insight and guidance and to help ensure everyone’s wishes are met.

Posted on the behalf of Turner Law, LLC