Should I Discuss My Estate Plan with My Family?
When you are going through the estate planning process with a lawyer in Norcross, you may be wondering whether you should keep the details of your estate plan to yourself or discuss those details with your family members. While discussing the details of your estate plan can be complicated, it is almost always a good idea to provide your family with some information. Depending on your specific circumstances, it may also be a good idea to share very detailed information, and even to provide copies of documents to some family members.
What are some of the most important considerations when you are deciding whether to discuss your estate plan with your family? Our Norcross estate planning lawyers can provide you with some key considerations to keep in mind.
Consider Your Goals in Providing Your Family with Information About Your Estate Plan
What are your goals in discussing your estate plan with your family? Do you simply want your family to know that you have made a will, created a trust, created power of attorney documents, or created an advance directive for health care? Or, do you want your family members to have all of the details of your estate plan? These are questions you will want to think about before you decide how to discuss your estate plan.
Do You Want All Family Members to Have the Same Information?
Family dynamics are important to consider, and you will want to decide if you want all of your family members to have the same information (or if you want to provide more details to some and fewer details to other family members). These considerations can help you to decide whether to hold a family meeting or to discuss specific estate planning matters individually with particular family members.
Have You Named an Executor of Your Will or an Agent in a Power of Attorney?
If you have named an executor of your will, or you have created one or more power of attorney documents or an advance directive for health care, it will be important to let those parties know. You might also have an important reason to tell other family members who you have named in these roles.
Are There Potentially Contentious Components of Your Estate Plan That Should Be Addressed Early?
If there are some components of your estate plan that are likely to be contentious — such as an unequal distribution of assets among your adult children in your will — it can be a good idea to make your wishes known to your family members. While these conversations can be difficult, they may help to prevent a will contest after your death.
Contact a Gwinnett County Estate Planning Lawyer for Assistance
Do you have questions about estate planning? Whether you want to find out more about a particular component of estate planning or you are ready to begin working on your estate plan, an experienced Gwinnett County estate planning attorney at Bowman Law Firm can assist you. Contact us today to have your questions answered and to begin working with a lawyer at our firm on the important process of estate planning.
Source:
law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-53/
