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Q&A: My Parents Shut Down When I Try to Talk About Estate Planning. How Can I Help Them Open Up?

April 29, 2024

QUESTION Q: My parents shut down when I try to talk about estate planning. How can I help them open up? –...

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There is no shortage of advice flying around about estate planning, much of it from people who aren't even lawyers. Get insight on the popular pitfalls and how emerging economic shifts like cryptocurrency can affect your plan.

Q&A: My Parents Shut Down When I Try to Talk About Estate Planning. How Can I Help Them Open Up?

QUESTION Q: My parents shut down when I try to talk about estate planning. How can I help them open up? –...

Q&A: Can you explain how the administration of a will works?

QUESTION Q: Can you explain how the administration of a will works? –Taking Care of Mom ANSWER A: Dear Ta...

Q&A Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die?

QUESTION Q: Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die? –Pondering Parent ANSWER A: Dear Ponde...

Q&A Do I need to create a new will if I move to another state?

QUESTION Q: Do I need to create a new will if I move to another state? –Curious Mover ANSWER A: Dear Curi...

Q&A: How do I include cryptocurrency in my estate plan?

QUESTION Q: How do I include cryptocurrency in my estate plan? — Crypto Owner ANSWER A: Dear Crypto, If y...

Q&A: What is the federal estate tax?

QUESTION Q: What is the federal estate tax? — Tax Planner ANSWER A: Dear Planner, The federal estate tax ...

Q&A: What estate planning should my child have in place once they reach adulthood?

QUESTION Q: What estate planning should my child have in place once they reach adulthood? — Proactive Par...

Q&A: What is a pour-over will?

QUESTION Q: What is a pour-over will? — Prudent Planner ANSWER A: Dear Prudent, For a living trust to fun...

Q&A: Can I tap into my retirement savings to pay for my child’s college education?

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Q&A: What is the “contestability period'' on a life insurance policy?

Q & A: QUESTION ______________________________________________________________________________ Q: Wha...

Q&A Should the person I pick as my trustee have a background in law or finance?

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Q&A What is the IRS’s “Rule of 55” for 401(k) plans?

Q & A: QUESTION Q: What is the IRS’s “Rule of 55” for 401(k) plans? -Ready to Retire ANSWER Dear Read...

Q&A: What is “diminished financial capacity”?

Q & A: QUESTION Q: What is “diminished financial capacity,” and why is it so dangerous for seniors? —...

Q&A How much can I write off on my 2021 income taxes for charitable donations?

Q & A: Q: How much can I write off on my 2021 income taxes for charitable donations if I don’t itemiz...

Q&A How can I determine how much life insurance I should have?

Q & A: Q: How can I determine how much life insurance I should have? —Family Planner ANSWER A: Dear P...

Q&A: How does buying or selling a business affect my estate plan?

Q: How does buying or selling a business affect my estate plan? --Business Buyer ANSWER Dear Buyer: If yo...

Q&A: How does the proposed tax bill affect federal estate and gift tax?

Q: How does the Democrat’s newly proposed tax bill affect the federal estate and gift tax exclusion? -Con...

Q&A: How does the administration of a will work?

Q: How does the administration of a will work? -Family Planner ANSWER Dear Planner: In order for assets i...

Q&A: What is a pet trust, and how does it work?

Q: What is a pet trust, and how does it work? -Doggy Daddy ANSWER A: Dear Doggy, While it’s possible to n...

Q&A: How should I include my cryptocurrency in my estate plan?

Q: How should I include my cryptocurrency in my estate plan? -Digital Planner ANSWER A: Dear Digital, Jus...

Q&A: Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die?

Q: Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die? -Pondering Parent ANSWER A: Dear Pondering, Tho...

Q&A: Should I leave money for my child with special needs in my will?

Q: Should I leave money for my child with special needs in my will? – Prudent Parent ANSWER A: Dear Prude...

How can I avoid being placed under a professional guardian?

Q: How can I avoid being placed under the care of a professional guardian? —Senior Planner A: Dear Planne...

What estate planning documents should my son, who just turned 18, have in place?

Q: What estate planning documents should my son, who just turned 18 and is planning to attend college in ...

Do I need to create a new will if I move to another state?

Q: Do I need to create a new will if I move to another state? -Curious Mover A: Dear Curious: Most states...

How can I obtain consent for my incapacitated mother to get a vaccination?

Q: How can I obtain consent for my incapacitated mother to get a COVID-19 vaccination? -Concerned Daughte...

Can I serve as a trustee if I don’t have any legal experience?

Q: Can I serve as a trustee if I don’t have any legal experience? -Curious Cousin A: Dear Curious: Being ...

What is the best way to bring up estate planning with my family over the holidays?

Q: What is the best way to bring up estate planning with my family over the holidays? -Festive Father A: ...

If Democrats sweep the election, what’s likely to happen to the increased gift and estate tax exemption passed under Trump’s tax cuts?

Q: If Democrats sweep the election, what’s likely to happen to the increased gift and estate tax exemptio...

How are decisions made for an incapacitated person without a living will?

Q: How are decisions made for an incapacitated person without a living will? --Concerned family member A:...

What is the Best Way to Save for My Child's College Education?

Q: What is the Best Way to Save for My Child's College Education? --Concerned Parent A: Dear Concerned: O...

What Property Can I Put In My Living Trust?

Q: What Property Can I Put In My Living Trust? - Planning For the Future A: Dear Planning: A living trust...

Executor Responsibilities: How Long to Distribute Assets From a Will?

Q: How Long Does an Executor Have to Distribute Assets From a Will? - Watching and Waiting A: Dear Waitin...

My dad recently passed and did not have a will, what should I do?

Q: My dad recently passed and did not have a will, what should I do? - Feeling Lost A: Dear Lost: First, ...

What is the Difference Between Living Will and Medical POA?

Q: What’s the difference between a Living Will and a Medical POA? - Thinking Ahead A: Dear Thinking: A Li...

I want my child to own my house when I die. Should I just transfer it now?

Q: I want my child to own my house when I die. Should I just transfer it now? - Pondering Parent A: Dear,...

Could I face eviction due to an out of date Will?

Q: Could I face eviction due to an out of date Will? -Renting Beneficiary A: Dear, Renting: It’s critical...

Under what circumstances can my will be contested?

Q: Under what circumstances can my will be contested? -Will Creator A: Dear Will: Anyone can contest a wi...

How often should I update my estate plan?

Q: How often should I update my estate plan? -Prudent planner A: Dear Prudent: This question highlights a...

Do I need additional life insurance if I have a policy through my employer?

Q: Do I need additional life insurance if I already have a policy through my employer? -Insurance Enquiry...

Can I use estate planning to provide for my pet’s care after my death?

Q: Can I use estate planning to provide for my pet’s care after my death? -Dog Lover A: Dear Lover: Yes, ...

What does an executor do?

Q: What does an executor do? -Will writer A: Dear Will: An executor is the person named in your will to a...

What does “funding” a trust mean?

Q: What does “funding” a trust mean? -Curious planner A: Dear Curious: For a living trust to function pro...

If I die with no estate plan at all, what happens to my property?

Q: If I die with no estate plan at all, what happens to my property? -No Plan Stan A: Dear Stan: If you d...

Can I change my estate plan while my divorce is still ongoing?

Q: Can I change my estate plan while my divorce is still ongoing? -Speculative spouse A: Dear Speculative...

Are non-biological parents in same-gender marriage granted parental rights?

Q: Are non-biological parents in a same-gender marriage automatically granted legal parental rights? -Pon...

We are expecting. What should be our top priority in terms of estate planning?

Q: My husband and I are expecting our first child in 7 months. What should be our top priority in terms o...

Could my family benefit from a dynasty trust?

Q: Could my family benefit from a dynasty trust? -Frugal Father A: Dear Frugal: A dynasty trust is a spec...

Can a spendthrift trust protect my child’s inheritance?

Q: Can a spendthrift trust protect my child’s inheritance? -Concerned Dad A: Dear Concerned: Yes, a so-ca...

Can I disinherit my husband to ensure my adult children will inherit all of my assets?

Q: Can I disinherit my husband with estate planning to ensure my adult children will inherit all of my as...

What is a charitable remainder trust?

Q: What is a charitable remainder trust? -Curious Dear Curious: A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a u...

Is Quitclaim Deeding Your Home a Good Idea? | PFL® Blog

Q: My father wants to quitclaim deed his house to me before he dies, rather than include it in his will. ...

My uncle died, and I think he had a will, but I’m not sure. How can I find out?

Q: My uncle died, and I think he had a will, but I’m not sure. How can I find out? -Will Wondering A: Dea...

Should I purchase an accidental death and dismemberment policy?

Q: I’m looking to buy insurance to protect my family. Should I purchase an accidental death and dismember...

Getting Paid as Financial Power of Attorney: What You Need to Know

Q: I have financial power of attorney for my mother. Can I be paid for managing her finances? -Billing Mo...

Who should I name as executor of my will?

Q: Who should I name as executor of my will? -Pondering probate A: Dear Pondering: Selecting the right ex...

How can I best provide for my pet using estate planning?

Q: How can I best provide for my pet using estate planning? -Dog Lover A: Dear Lover: A beloved pet can b...

My mother died with credit card debt. Am I responsible for paying that debt?

Q: My mother recently died with lots of credit card debt. Am I responsible for paying that debt? -Worried...

How does a living will work?

Q: How does a living will work? —Confused A: Dear Confused: Though it can be easy to confuse a “living wi...

What is long-term care insurance?

Q: What is long-term care insurance? —Unsure A: Dear Unsure: Long-term care (LTC) insurance covers your b...

What is digital estate planning?

Q: What is digital estate planning? —Wondering A: Dear Wondering: Digital estate planning involves protec...

Can I name multiple beneficiaries on my life insurance policy?

Q: Can I name multiple beneficiaries on my life insurance policy? --Curious A: Dear Curious: There are se...

Can My Will Be Contested?

Q: Can my will be contested? Concerned testator-- A: Dear Concerned: Creating a will should give you peac...

What Will Happen to My Pet in a Natural Disaster?

Q: What will happen to my pet in a natural disaster? Pet Parent-- A: Dear Pet Parent: In the wake of natu...

How Can Snowbirding Help Me Save on Taxes?

Q: How can snowbirding help me save on taxes? Recent Retiree-- A: Dear Retiree: Snowbirding is a great wa...

What Does Transfer on Death Mean?

Q: What does transfer on death mean? Prudent Planner-- A: Dear Prudent: Transfer on death (TOD) is a meth...

What’s the best way to save for college?

Q: What’s the best way to save for college? --Planning Parent A: Dear Planning: Saving for college is a d...

Do I need my estate planning documents reviewed by an attorney?

Q: Do I need my estate planning documents reviewed by an attorney? --Estate Planning Novice A: Dear Novic...

What is a revocable living trust?

Q: What is a revocable living trust? --Conscientious Planner A: Dear Conscientious: Revocable living trus...

How should I update my estate plan before I remarry?

Q: How should I update my estate plan before I remarry? -Betrothed spouse to be A: Dear Betrothed: Everyo...

How are decisions made for an incapacitated person without a living will?

Q: How are decisions made for an incapacitated person without a living will? --Concerned family member A:...

What is legal guardianship?

Q: What is legal guardianship? --Concerned parent A: Dear Concerned: Broadly defined, a legal guardian is...

How can I provide for my pet in my estate planning?

Q: How can I provide for my pet in my estate planning? --Concerned Pet Owner A: Dear Concerned: Many peop...

What will happen to my assets when I die?

Q: What will happen to my assets when I die? --Concerned Family Member A: Dear Concerned: Many people won...

How can a personal injury lawsuit or other settlement affect my government benefits?

Q: How can a personal injury lawsuit or other settlement affect my government benefits? --Concerned Plain...

What Happens to My 401K When I Die?

Q: What Happens to My 401K When I Die? --Concerned Employee A: Dear Concerned: For many working-age adult...

How can I be financially ready to retire when the time comes?

Q: How can I be financially ready to retire when the time comes? -- Concerned Worker A: Dear Concerned: M...

I just found out that my granddaughter is gay. I’m crushed. What should I do?

Q: I just found out that my granddaughter is gay. I’m crushed. What should I do? -- Anguished Grandparent...

Is it true that things I tell my lawyer are confidential?

Q: Is it true that things I tell my lawyer are confidential? -- Concerned Client A: Dear Concerned: To re...

Should I be concerned that my divorce will hurt my kids?

Q: Should I be concerned that my divorce will hurt my kids? -- Concerned Parent A: Dear Concerned: Many p...

How can I help my grandchild with college without jeopardizing financial aid?

Q: How can I help my grandchild with college without jeopardizing financial aid? -- Worried Grandparent A...

I know I need to make a will, but somehow planning for death makes it seem so much more real. How can I overcome my fear?

Q: I know I need to make a will, but somehow planning for death makes it seem so much more real. How can ...

Do savings bonds still have a place in my financial portfolio?

Q: Do savings bonds still have a place in my financial portfolio? --Curious Investor A: Dear Curious: Sav...

How can I preserve my assets for my kids and loved ones?

Q: How can I preserve my assets for my kids and loved ones? --Caring Parent A: Dear Parent: With tax time...

What is the Best Way to Save for My Child's College Education?

Q: What is the Best Way to Save for My Child's College Education? --Concerned Parent A: One of best ways ...

Will I Ever be Able to Save Enough For Retirement?

Q: Will I Ever be Able to Save Enough For Retirement? -- Approaching Middle-Age A: Dear Approaching: Arti...

My elderly parents don’t have much in the way of resources and their health appears to be failing. They mainly get by on Social Security. Will I be responsible to pay their medical bills or other debt

Q: My elderly parents don’t have much in the way of resources and their health appears to be failing. The...

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Q: With all the new gadgets and toys out this year, I'm struggling to come up with gift ideas for my frie...

PFL firms in your area

Hi, I’m Pam Starsia. I became a Personal Family Lawyer because I’m passionate about educating and empowering people to create estate, life, ...

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Juniper Law, PLLC

I became a Personal Family Lawyer to help people like you and families like yours plan for the future. Facing the potential for incapacity a...

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Das Law, PLLC

Let’s talk about your death . . . or incapacity. If something unfortunate happens, what will happen to your assets that you’ve worked so har...

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Legacy Lawyers, PLLC

Hi. I’m John W. Heck. I became a Personal Family Lawyer because I have seen the consequences of failed estate planning in my immediate famil...

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Edris Law

In my practice, I focus on Family Protection, Wealth Preservation, and Value-Based Planning. I’m also experienced with wealth planning strat...

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Brown Law Offices

Lisa Brown Esq. is the principal attorney for Brown Law Offices. She received her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and ...

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Millennium Attorney

Naureen Rahman has been practicing law for over twenty years in the Maryland, DC-Metropolitan area. She has practiced across numerous sector...

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Reflections Life Planning, LLC

I love being able to guide my clients through a unique planning process that empowers them to live a financially fulfilling life now while e...

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I am an attorney dedicated to helping families in Virginia navigate the world of estate planning. With over 22 years of legal experience, I'...

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