We would all like to think that our families are comprised of people who see totally eye-to-eye about everything. The truth is that this is rarely the case.
Just how different perspectives can be among different family members varies considerably depending on the family. Some families generally get along well, but situations where there is 100% resonance on all levels are rare.
One way to avoid conflicts is to engage in honest and open communication with empathy for others. This is something to consider when you are planning your estate. You have to make choices regarding who gets what, and some of your choices may not be aligned with the expectations of some of your family members.
Sometimes this is inevitable and there are obvious reasons why you may not want to discuss your decisions with those who may not be happy about them. However, it is not a bad idea to talk things over with your family as a whole if it is at all possible.
Certain people may have particular sentimental items that mean a lot to them while other family members may not care about these things at all. This is information that you should have when you are engaged in inheritance planning.
When you pass away your family should be coming together to support one another without any hard feelings among them, and to this end a little bit of advance communication can be very useful for all concerned.
John’s practice focuses on the use of Wills and Living Trusts in Estate Planning to help individuals protect their families and preserve their legacies after their deaths, but his practice also focuses on the critical issues of protecting individuals with dementia or other diminished capacity, assisting individuals in qualifying for Medicaid and other government benefits to offset the costs of long-term care, and providing special needs planning.
John is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio, and he is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- What You Need to Know about the Medicaid Look-Back Rule - January 3, 2023
- How to Pass Down Your Legacy in Your Estate Plan - October 3, 2022
- Practical Steps to Take after Receiving a Terminal Diagnosis - September 30, 2022
