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Vacations Are a Great Time to Talk About Estate Planning


— June 29, 2021

Taking some time off the grind and sitting with your family on eminent matters helps keep the strong bonds while also planning for the tough times.


Vacations have always been a cheerful time; the entire family looks forward to it. Whether it’s the ringing bells near Christmas or the egg paintings on Easter— vacations help you feel excited and rejuvenated towards life. This is also the time for extended family gatherings and meeting your loved ones. With the fun chatters worldwide, it is important to bring some serious discussions to the table— estate planning. 

While talking about grave life decisions can be complicated and overwhelming, they often hold an important aspect in dealing with the unexpected. With the entire family coming together over holidays, it is an excellent time to talk about the elephant in the room and plan your way. Having “the talk” with your close ones near you assures that things will take place as you desire. Estate planning is essential for deciding the further steps for all your hard-earned assets while planning steps when the hard times tend to come.

Man and woman with three children in a field; image by Jessica Rockowitz, via unsplash.com.
Man and woman with three children in a field; image by Jessica Rockowitz, via unsplash.com.

How to Discuss Estate Planning with Your Family?

It is not every day when the whole family unites and spares time to hold discussions. To make the most out of these holiday gatherings, you must prepare a checklist to know what you have to throw light on while sharing your estate plans.

Following are some of the most important aspects to cover while talking about estate planning with your family:

  • Choosing a reliable power of attorney will help make decisions as per your choice when you are unable to do so. All the legal and financial dealings should be done with your alignment. 
  • Deciding which beneficiary should get all assets will help make seamless estate planning and prevent all future arguments.
  • Drafting a Will following your family discussions helps in deciding how the assets are divided. A personal representative is also chosen who will ensure that all the things go according to your drafted Will. 
  • It is also beneficial to choose a reliable person who can make health-related decisions for you. A health care proxy will ensure that all the medical choices are made in the best interest.
  • An option for pet power of attorney can also opt for you to decide who should be held responsible for your pet in your absence. 

These can also be some of your talk initiators for driving conclusively towards the plan. Throughout your estate planning discussion, it is vital to maintain trust within the family. Everyone should be able to voice out and put their opinions forward, while you should make decisions for your assets without pressure. 

Taking some time off the grind and sitting with your family on eminent matters helps keep the strong bonds while also planning for the tough times. Vacations seem to be the best time for talking about your estate planning with your family as it ensures everyone’s involvement in the matter. It is always better to plan your life and assets your way when you still have time in hand; else, the decision-making is likely to be passed on to the law courts.

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