Though getting one’s final affairs in order is a deeply personal experience, it is important that any decisions made do not remain a secret. In some cases, New Jersey residents may think that they have been clear in their instructions, but family members could still have questions. If these questions arise after a person’s passing, it is already too late. However, individuals can discuss their estate plans with their families to ensure clarity.
Before jumping into the discussion, parties may want to consider who they are talking to. If parents have recently created a plan and their children have already reached adulthood, it may be easier to bring up the topic and discuss their wishes. However, when it comes to telling teens or young adults, the subject can be a bit jarring, so taking a sensitive approach is wise if there is a need to tell them. Otherwise, telling another adult in the family could be the better choice.
It is also important to keep in mind that this discussion can have multiple parts. It does not have to be an hours-long meeting in which the parents delve into every detail with their adult children. They could have multiple conversations whenever appropriate, especially if the need to put the plan into effect does not seem imminent. One conversation could focus on certain wishes, like funeral arrangements, and another conversation could focus on what roles — if any — the surviving family will plan in the probate process and so on.
Estate plans can bring peace of mind to individuals and their families. Though it can seem difficult to bring up the topic of one’s eventual demise, surviving loved ones will undoubtedly feel comforted in knowing what their family member wanted when the time comes. New Jersey residents interested in getting their affairs in order may wish to gain information on their planning options.
