Should you talk to your children about your estate plan?

When you start planning your estate in California, you might be wondering if you should inform your adult children. On one hand, it might be a good idea to keep your children informed so they know how to handle your estate after your death. But on the other hand, you might want to keep your information private. Here’s what you should know about including your children in your estate planning.

Should you tell your children about your estate plans?

Ultimately, whether or not you include your children in your estate planning preparation is your decision. Typically, it depends on your children’s financial experience and circumstances and their individual temperaments. If you can trust your children to make smart financial choices, you might want to give them an idea of what to expect from their inheritance. Additionally, you might want to keep your children informed so they know how to access your estate documents after you die.

However, there might be times when your attorney advises you not to tell your children about your estate plans. If you plan on leaving one child more than the others, you might not want to tell them about it and cause a massive argument. You might also not want to talk about your plans if you can’t trust your children to keep this information in the family. They might spread information about the value of your estate, which can put you in a vulnerable position.

How can an attorney advise you during the estate planning process?

An attorney could advise you in a variety of ways when you start planning your estate. They could educate you about your various options and help you make the best choices for your family. Additionally, they could help you pass on your assets as efficiently as possible to avoid probate.