Having conversations about estate planning with your aging parents might not seem like an enticing task, but it is an important one. As difficult as it might be to think that your parents may not be around one day, the unfortunate truth of the matter is that at some point we all leave this world behind. Having a plan for that time makes a very difficult situation much less stressful, as loved ones can begin to enact the decedent’s vision for the world they wanted to leave behind.
For parents that avoid the subject, remind them that it is better to have a plan than no plan at all. In the event they pass without a will, the state dictates who their property goes to, with loved ones having absolutely no say in the matter. There may also be confusion or hardship in the wake of their passing, especially when it comes to probate and taxes. Estate planning can mitigate these issues while providing clear guidance to those managing the estate.
The bottom line is that people want to know with confidence that their legacy is preserved and that the things they wanted to happen in the wake of their death are documented. You can start the conversation with your own parents by reaching out to a New Jersey estate planning lawyer at Van Dyck Law Group. We are highly experienced in all aspects of New Jersey estate and probate law, and we can help your family work through tough conversations to get to a point where everyone is confident and comfortable about what the future may hold.