Any time individuals make decisions that could affect their family, it is often important to talk about those decisions together. For example, if Pennsylvania residents decide to move forward with estate planning, they may want to include their loved ones by explaining their wishes. Having this discussion could prove beneficial now and in the future when surviving family carry out those wishes.
This type of conversation does not have to be a major affair. In fact, individuals may feel better breaking down the discussion into multiple conversations that focus on one topic at a time. It is easy for such matters to become overwhelming, and handling it in manageable amounts could allow it to go much more smoothly.
It is also important to consider who the discussion involves. If parents are telling their teenage children that they have an estate plan in place, leaving the conversation with that simple fact may be enough. Rather than giving children all the details, parents could tell other adult family members, especially if any of them will hold important roles like guardian, executor or power of attorney, so that someone will know what to do. As the children get older, providing them with more information could be helpful, especially if anything with the plan changes.
Estate planning and a person’s estate plans are ever evolving. Individuals may be able to make certain decisions now that they feel comfortable with, but life changes could present the need to alter their plans. Fortunately, these plans can grow and change as necessary, and experienced Pennsylvania attorneys are available to help interested parties along the way.