Giving Thanks for Estate Planning: Essential Conversations to Have This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, families gather to celebrate and reflect on the year gone by.

While these gatherings are often filled with joy and laughter, they also provide a unique opportunity to engage in important discussions that can have lasting impacts on your family’s future—specifically, conversations about estate planning.

Estate planning is not just about distributing your assets after you’re gone; it’s about ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of and that your wishes are honored.

Having a clear plan in place can alleviate stress and confusion during difficult times, allowing your family to focus on what truly matters—supporting each other.

Conversations to Consider

1. Discuss Your Wishes:

Use this time to openly share your wishes regarding your estate. Talk about how you would like your assets to be distributed, who you want to care for your children, and any specific wishes for your healthcare if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

2. Review Existing Plans:

If you have an estate plan in place, take the time to review it with your family. Ensure that your loved ones know where important documents are stored and that they understand your plans. Discuss any changes that might be necessary due to life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

3. Talk About Healthcare Decisions:

Discuss your healthcare preferences, including end-of-life decisions. Ensure that family members understand your wishes and that appropriate documents, like advance directives or living wills, are in place.

4. Address Digital Assets:

In our increasingly digital world, it’s important to address what will happen to your digital assets—such as social media accounts, digital currencies, and online subscriptions—after your passing. Ensure that your family knows how to access these accounts and your wishes regarding them.

5. Encourage Family Meetings:

If you have a larger family, consider organizing a family meeting to discuss estate planning openly. This encourages transparency and ensures everyone is on the same page. It also allows family members to voice any concerns or ask questions.

6. Plan for Special Needs:

If you have family members with special needs, discuss how to best provide for them in your estate plan. This may involve setting up a special needs trust to ensure they receive the necessary support without jeopardizing any government benefits.

7. Highlight the Importance of Professional Help:

Encourage your family to seek professional guidance if they don’t have an estate plan in place. An attorney specializing in estate planning can help navigate the complexities and ensure that everything is set up correctly.

Giving Thanks

As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, take a moment to express gratitude for the relationships that matter most. By engaging in these essential conversations about estate planning, you can show your loved ones that you care about their future and well-being.



In the spirit of giving thanks, remember that proactive estate planning is a gift that keeps on giving. It provides peace of mind not just for you, but for your loved ones, ensuring that they are cared for, and your wishes are fulfilled.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with meaningful conversations and cherished memories. If you need assistance with your estate planning, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you create a plan that reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones.