It can be intimidating to talk about the future, especially when it means considering your own mortality and what will happen after you pass away. Many people avoid these difficult considerations, avoiding the estate planning process, as they believe it is unnecessary for their specific situation. Even if you see the need for having an estate plan and have your important documents in place, it is still critical to have discussions about the decisions you have made.
There are various reasons why you may not want to discuss your estate plans with your loved ones or anyone else. These are deeply personal choices, and you may want the details of these decisions to remain private. However, it is in your interests to discuss your plans with your Texas loved ones as this could help avoid certain issues and complications in the future.
Dialogue is healthy
You may not want to discuss your estate plans with your loved one because you believe it is simply none of their business. You may not feel the need to explain your decisions, but having these discussions may help your heirs and beneficiaries understand your intent. With this understanding, they may be less likely to dispute over terms that surprised or confused them. Other benefits to a dialogue about your estate plan include:
- It can help ensure you pass along your family values.
- It can bring your family a sense of empowerment and confidence as they follow the terms of your plan.
- It can prepare your loved ones for what you want in case you are unable to speak for yourself due to incapacitation.
- It can provide your heirs the opportunity to consider what tax strategies will be best for them in the future.
There is a way for you to have this important conversation in a way that is both informative and protective of your privacy. It may be helpful to plan carefully and thoughtfully about the details of this conversation, as well as the timing and location of the discussion.
An estate plan that provides confidence
Before you can have this important conversation, however, you will need to have a thorough and thoughtful estate plan in place. An assessment of your estate, finances and individual goals will provide you with insight regarding the specific estate planning tools that you will need to be able to look to your future with confidence. You cannot predict what is ahead, which is why it is helpful to make plans and have important discussions as soon as possible.
