January 6, 2015

The holidays are certainly a busy time, but it’s also a good opportunity to get your family members together and discuss critical estate planning issues. If you weren’t able to have a family talk about estate planning this year at the holidays, pencil it into your calendar for the first quarter of 2015. 

There are several issues that might be discussed depending on whether you are meeting with grown adult children or your elderly parents. In either case, however, there are several issues that you might bring up during a family meeting about essential estate planning concerns:

• Investment account information, such as whether you own any retirement accounts or other investment accounts;
• The name and contact information for your financial advisor, should your children need to reach him or her;
• The location of your estate planning documents, like a power of attorney, living trusts, or a will. These should always be kept in a safe location in the event of a fire or other natural disaster;
• Your plans for future living arrangements, in the event that you are no longer able to live independently. Plans might include reference to long-term care policies or facilities in the area to which you wish to be transferred;
• Burial or funeral instructions. It’s not necessary to discuss all of the details if you intend to provide your loved ones with the location of written instructions.

Want to review your documents and update them? Contact us at info@lawesq.net to schedule an appointment.