How to Help Your Parents With Estate Planning

Estate planning is an important part of making sure that you and your family are taken care of over the years. But many people put it off and then become overwhelmed when they have to take care of it later in life. If this is the case for your parents, it can help for you to be there for them with support and information so they can complete their estate planning in an easy, successful, and stress free way.

Run Their Plan by a Professional

Most people don’t really know what they need to do for their estate plan or what kinds of things need to be included. But there are professionals who specialize in that kind of work and can help you figure it out. Sometimes the best course of action is to help your parents make their plan and then to go together to a financial advisor who can look over the plan. They will be able to fill any gaps and give you advice on things like the wording you use and what to include in the estate plan. They can also offer general and specific guidance on the kinds of changes your parents may want to make to their estate plan.

Make Sure They Have a Will

In general, people don’t want to think too far in the future because there is a lot of worry and stress there. But it is essential to have a will so that your assets are properly distributed. This is also true for your parents. Probate will be much more straightforward when there’s a will. Which means that there will be less stress for everyone involved when your parents assets need to be distributed.

Be Available to Answer Questions

It is a good idea to encourage your parents to plan their estate, but you may want to let them take the lead. In this case, your best course of action may actually be for you to simply let them know that you are available if they need help. That way they can take control of their own estate plan but also rely on you if they have questions or want to talk things out. This will help you to keep your relationship going strong while they estate plan so that you aren’t overstepping any boundaries.

When you help your parents plan their estate you can give them peace of mind. This is because they will know that their needs and your needs will be met over time. Figuring out an estate can take time, but it is worth the effort.

Check out this article on how to produce regular income streams in retirement!