Estate Planning Without Conflict

The most common problem in estate planning for a widow is the lack of communication between family members.

A classic example of conflict is when a parent gives a “less well off” child more than they give to their other children.  The parent would be surprised to know how hurt the siblings were because they think that the parent is expressing more love to that one child.

Communication before the parent’s death will avoid a lot of misunderstanding.

Talk about each family member’s idea about fairness.

Take time to identify anyone’s feelings of being shortchanged.

Try to understand what’s going on in everyone’s life.

Separate the person from the problem to conquer it without placing blame.

Have regular family meetings, phone calls and emails so that everyone is in the loop.

It will be easier to discuss issues if you can keep it light and even show some humor.

Combining patience, open-mindedness and forgiveness and you are on the way to estate planning without conflict.  

Resources website for Estate Planning in Canada:    http://www.rbcds.com/estate-planning-guide.html