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Talking about estate planning is a difficult, emotional topic but it is essential
for every family.

Unless you’re certain your parents have an up-to-date will and a wider plan for
what should happen in the event of their passing, you shouldn’t assume
everything will be taken care of.

According to a 2017 survey, less than half of Americans have a will. If your
mother or father dies intestate – meaning without a will – such a situation
could lead to added emotional strain and stress. And it could have financial
implications for all their children and/or other family members.
The following eight tips can help you discuss the hard topics thoroughly and
respectfully and prepare you for the road ahead.

1. Plan What You Can
Discussing estate planning and all it entails is not something that should
happen without any planning. Make a list of topics and questions, then let your
parents know what you want to chat about with them.
If possible, set a time and date and choose a private venue where everyone
will feel comfortable. Be aware that you may need to schedule a few
conversations as there could be too much to cover in one sitting. Remember
to use language that is respectful and supportive, and to take a breather if
emotions run high or the stress becomes overwhelming.

2. Identify Key People
There are several key people you may need to contact for estate planning
purposes. Ask your parents for the names and contact details of their:

• Doctors
• Attorney
• Financial Planner
• Accountant
• Insurance Brokers
• Minister of religion
• Closest friends

3. Address the Topic of a Will
Determine whether there is an existing will in place and whether the
document is up to date. If a will was created more than five years ago, check
to see if they would consider reviewing it to ensure it is a true reflection of
their wishes. Establish where they keep the document and confirm who they
have appointed as the executor(s). The same goes for any trust that may
have been created.

4. Talk About Power of Attorney
Find out whether your parents have appointed someone to manage their
financial and other affairs if they become incapacitated. If they have not
given someone power of attorney, suggest they consider doing so.

5. Discuss End-of-Life Wishes
Even though the subject may be uncomfortable to talk about, you should
discuss your parents’ end-of-life wishes with them. Their estate plan will be
incomplete without these directives, so it’s important to include them. The
form those directives take depend on the state in which you live, and they
may include:

• The appointment of a health care Agent who can make medical decisions for your parents if they become incapable of making those decisions themselves. You can obtain the relevant forms from an elder law attorney or from a hospital or nursing home.

• A medical or advance directive explains what sort of care they would like and whether life support should be used to keep them alive or not. The directive must refer to the Health Insurance Portability and AccountabilityAct (HIPAA) when naming the Agent.

• An Advance Directive contains instructions regarding the withdrawal or termination of life support under specific conditions, such as your parents becoming terminally ill, becoming comatose, or entering a vegetative state, which provides more explicit directives regarding the type of treatment your parents would or would not want.

6. Ask About Insurance Policies
Talk about the type of insurance policies in place. That includes:

• Health insurance – Medicare or private
• Life insurance
• Home insurance
• Long-term care insurance
• Disability insurance

In some cases, there may be seniors funeral insurance or other policies
intended to cover funeral or burial payments. You will need to know about
these too and have all their details.

If you have not already done so, take note of the names and contact details
of the insurance brokers. Check where the policy documents are kept, and if
possible, make certified copies of them.

7. Request Access to Tax Returns
It can be helpful to know where tax return paperwork is stored. While these
documents may not be necessary after death, they could be required if the
estate becomes complicated. Confirm where you can find these documents
and that they’re all up to date.

8. Discuss All Other Practicalities
In addition to subjects such as power of attorney and insurance, there are
several other practicalities you should include in your conversations.

• Make a list of their accounts – financial accounts such as bank and mutual fund, credit accounts, and store accounts
• Check if they are registered organ donors or whether they would consider donating their organs
• Talk about the memorial service they want and whether they want to be buried, cremated, or some other option.

Conclusion
Estate planning conversations are tough no matter how you tackle them. Try
your best to be patient with your parents and transparent with other family
members about what you’re doing. If you have siblings, invite them to be part
of the conversation.

Accept that these talks can take time and avoid placing pressure on those
involved to get it all done in a few hours. The smaller details are critical and
should not be rushed. Lastly, always consult an attorney if you are unsure
about the legal aspects or implications of any of the points mentioned above.