Hmmm. The subject of an inheritance (or lack thereof) is one of the most awkward parents can have with their children. So, should you even broach the subject?
A recent article in Time thinks you should have the inheritance talk now, or risk some expensive (and potentially explosive) consequences later by your silence.
A Time article, titled "The Hardest Part of Making a Will: Telling Your Kids What’s in It," provides some pointers to help you navigate the challenges of having this important conversation.
Here are the suggestions Time offers, as taken from the original article:
Communication. Think about your financial values in a larger context. Sometimes, estate plans will reflect lifelong values like charitable giving or the desire to provide for family first. If your children know your values, there is a good chance they will have an idea of what to expect from your estate.
Evaluate your children’s money skills. Children do not all have the same skills, knowledge, and attitudes about money. Children who will inherit large amounts of money need discussions about how to manage money and to be responsible.
Like one kid better? If you are not planning to treat all of your children “equally”—regardless of the reasons—you should share that information well in advance. Tell it privately to each child. You can have a lot of reasons to treat children differently in an estate plan. However, when the will is being read by your attorney is not the best time to spring any surprises ... like a disinheritance or an unequal distribution.
Again, if you and your children can talk about the will's provisions and your rationale behind them sooner rather than later, then there is less chance of conflict between siblings after you have passed. Do not allow your children to assume they are getting more than is really the case. If you do not tell them, you may avoid issues now, but there could be bigger troubles and resentment after your death.
Prepare your children for large or unexpected inheritances. Some individuals are shocked to get legacies much larger than expected based on the frugal lifestyles their parents led. An estate planning attorney may propose strategies that will help heirs learn more about both the financial and the emotional aspects of managing inherited wealth. An estate planning attorney may also suggest that parents look at options, such as giving more to the children during their lifetimes, which would decrease the effect of a sudden inheritance.
Acknowledge those fears. Although they are not typically expressed, the biggest reason for not discussing estate plans with family members maybe fear. Parents may think their children will be angry or disappointed, or expect too much and be resentful of other heirs.
Communication is so important. It can ease some of the pain and anxiety in the decisions parents make now and the aftermath when the will is probated. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney can also be a worthwhile investment toward achieving this goal.
Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.
Reference: Time (October 7, 2014) "The Hardest Part of Making a Will: Telling Your Kids What’s in It"
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