As parents grow older, adult children usually begin to worry about how their parents will be cared for as well as how their assets will be handled after they pass on.
Although it’s a topic most people are hesitant to bring up to siblings and other loved ones, estate attorneys agree that the longer the discussion is put off, the worse the results can be. You can check this link www.atlantaestatelawcenter.com/ to hire the best estate attorney.
If you’re concerned about the changing life circumstances of your mother, father, or both, you owe it to yourself to have a family meeting.
Getting Things Started: Talk To Your Parents First
If you’ve been worrying about your futures for a while now, it’s time to discuss this with them. Choose a day and time that isn’t hectic and lay out your concerns in a way that isn’t confrontational. Ask questions about their financial situation, how they’d like their assets handled if they become incapacitated and even whether they’ve created wills or trusts.
Don’t expect your mom and dad to be willing to part with all of the information; after all, they are used to handling things for you, not the other way around. They may also see your concern as an invasion of their privacy, so take it slow and respect their boundaries. At this point, you should suggest that they meet with experienced estate attorneys who are familiar with elder law issues.
After you’ve discussed these issues, it’s time to bring your siblings on board and get their feedback and input. Leaving one or more siblings out of the loop is a recipe for disaster that can lead to someone hiring a litigation attorney down the line. By involving everyone early on, you’ll increase the chances that estate attorneys with elder law experience will be able to handle your parents’ needs without causing a family rift.