Hollywood has its standard “reading of the will” scene. Family members are gathered together in an office while the attorney reads the deceased’s last wishes. There is suspense and drama, along with family fights.
However, a better solution is to create an estate plan and discuss it with your loved ones before you pass away.
Keeping your family informed
When it comes to estate planning, many people choose to keep their affairs private. You or your family may be reluctant to discuss your estate plan because it can seem like a morbid topic. But, there are some compelling reasons why you should have the conversation, such as:
- Ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you die. Advance knowledge can help your loved ones work together when the time comes.
- Preventing disputes among family members about who should inherit your assets. If your beneficiaries are unaware of your wishes, they may disagree about how to distribute your assets.
- Providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones, knowing that everything is taken care of in the event of your death.
By having an open and honest conversation about your plans, you can help to make the process of settling your estate smoother and less stressful for all involved.
Creating an estate plan and discussing it with your family can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of without all the Hollywood drama. Setting up an estate plan doesn’t need to be an overwhelming process. Once you have inventoried your assets and decided upon their distribution, you will need to draft the appropriate legal documents. Finally, you should review it periodically to ensure that it still meets your needs.