From the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys . Nolo Press Self-Help Law Center . Articles on estate planning issues. In inheritance, the meek may not get much after all By Marissa Melton Rochelle Lewis received her first lesson in estate planning at age 10 in her grandmother's kitchen. Lewis promptly forgot about it until 17 years later, when her grandmother died and she inherited the ring.
Most people ignore the subject because it's difficult to talk about death.
Yet an industry survey last October showed that 41 percent of respondents hadn't written a will and nearly half of those ages 35 to 54 hadn't discussed with their parents what they will inherit. Connect the dots. Dan Rottenberg, author of The Inheritor's Handbook, suggests calling a family conference, using a mediator if siblings tend to argue, and being open about what pieces of property have sentimental value to whom. Some suggest letting family members mark items they want to inherit. Gerald Le Van, a business adviser in Black Mountain, N.C., and his wife took their grandchildren to the park while their three adult children and two cousins roamed the family house, marking their selections with color-coded sticky dots.