Summertime and Life Conversations: 3 important topics!

Jul 29, 2022

Summertime and Life Conversations: 3 important topics!

Summer is the best time of year to have important conversations with your loved ones. As you plan to get together for holidays or just for fun, plan to have these important conversations with those you love. 

1. Who is in Charge?

In the event of an unexpected disaster or loss of life, it’s important that your family knows how to handle these difficult situations. Who has authority to make decisions for you? Let your family and trusted friends know who you have nominated as your health care power of attorney and financial power of attorney and how to contact them.

Share with your family and trusted friends the decisions you have made regarding end of life and how you wish to be treated. One of the most painful honors in life is to be named the “end of life” decision-maker for a loved one. Even if you have sufficient documents in place, those left in charge may be confused and find it difficult to make decisions. Your communication with your loved ones will help them be united in making decisions and help your representative to feel confident in the decisions that must be made. If you do not wish to have life support or tube feeding, communicating these wishes is like giving your family permission to make these hard decisions. 

We often have this discussion with our spouses but we rarely include our children, nieces, nephews, or other potential decision-makers in this. It is important to prioritize the people you designated by having this conversation with them. By clearly stating your wishes, you can alleviate any existing and future anxieties for that person and make it significantly less stressful for them. These conversations might be difficult for you but will prove to be extremely important for your family if the need arises.

2. Ask About Personal Belongings

If you’re thinking about making a will, it’s a good idea to ask your family members what they want. This will help to prevent family strife during the administration of your estate.

Before you decide to let go of any personal possessions, you should ask your family about their wishes. It’s a good idea to ask more than once so that you can get a clear picture of what they want and don’t want.

3. Sharing Family/Personal History 

Sit down with your loved ones and ask them what they would like to know about your family and life. If they cannot think of any questions to ask, talk about your favorite memories and any events you think are important. Share events that shaped your life and helped you to become the person you are. You can talk about your childhood hopes and dreams and whether those came true or why they did not come true. You can talk about your first date experiences, going to college, or military service. 

People often think there will be another day, another opportunity, to talk to their loved ones, and ask about their family history, values, health, and more. Sadly, for some of us this day will never come. Plan to do things differently. When you’re gone, your family will have so many questions that they will wish they had asked when you were with them. These conversations will become priceless moments and part of their history.

How Can We Help You?

From Estate Planning to Medicaid Qualification, our firm works hard to protect your legacy! No matter your position in life, we all face many uncertainties. Planning for the unexpected is the best way to protect what you have worked so hard to obtain. Let us help you with the legal planning that will ensure your legacy for generations to come.

Email us at: amber@roseelderlaw.com

Text or Call: 971-865-3171

Address: 5200 Meadows Rd #150, Lake Oswego, OR 97035, USA

View more of our Blogs

Estate Planning Checklist: 5 Initial Steps You Can Take

Estate Planning Checklist: 5 Initial Steps You Can Take

Most of us spend little time thinking about death or losing the capacity to manage our own affairs. These are unpleasant topics and banishing them from our minds is easier than entertaining them. Death, however, is inevitable and becoming...

read more
IRS Announces 2025 Gift and Estate Tax Exemptions

IRS Announces 2025 Gift and Estate Tax Exemptions

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released its tax inflation adjustment figures for tax year 2025. Annual Gift Tax Exclusion Effective January 1, 2025, you will be able to make individual gifts of up to $19,000 in the calendar year (an...

read more

We're Here Whenever You Need Us

Hidden First Toggle
Legal Expertise:

Estate planning involves various legal instruments, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We specialize in estate planning, ensuring that your documents comply with the ever-changing state and federal laws. We can help you navigate intricate legal requirements, minimizing the risk of costly errors and potential disputes.

Customization:

Every person's financial situation and family dynamics are unique. We will take the time to understand your goals and circumstances, allowing for the creation an estate plan that suits your individual situation.

Asset Protection:

We can assist you in structuring your estate plan to protect your assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, and taxation. Our experience can also help you employ strategies to minimize tax liabilities.

Avoiding Probate Delays:

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's assets are distributed. It can be time-consuming and costly. We can help you explore options to minimize or avoid the probate process, allowing your beneficiaries to receive their inheritances more quickly and efficiently.

Conflict Resolution:

When estate plans are unclear or disputed, it can lead to conflicts and legal battles. We can help you draft clear and legally sound documents that minimize the chances of disputes among heirs and beneficiaries. In the event that a dispute arises, we can also represent your interests and work toward an amicable resolution.

Updates and Maintenance:

Estate plans need to be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in your financial situation, family dynamics, and applicable laws. We can provide ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that your estate plan remains current and effective.

Peace of Mind:

Engaging a law firm for estate planning provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in capable hands. It allows you to focus on enjoying your life without the constant worry of what may happen to your assets and loved ones in the future.

Hidden First Toggle
Legal Expertise:

Estate planning involves various legal instruments, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We specialize in estate planning, ensuring that your documents comply with the ever-changing state and federal laws. We can help you navigate intricate legal requirements, minimizing the risk of costly errors and potential disputes.

Customization:

Every person's financial situation and family dynamics are unique. We will take the time to understand your goals and circumstances, allowing for the creation an estate plan that suits your individual situation.

Asset Protection:

We can assist you in structuring your estate plan to protect your assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, and taxation. Our experience can also help you employ strategies to minimize tax liabilities.

Avoiding Probate Delays:

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's assets are distributed. It can be time-consuming and costly. We can help you explore options to minimize or avoid the probate process, allowing your beneficiaries to receive their inheritances more quickly and efficiently.

Conflict Resolution:

When estate plans are unclear or disputed, it can lead to conflicts and legal battles. We can help you draft clear and legally sound documents that minimize the chances of disputes among heirs and beneficiaries. In the event that a dispute arises, we can also represent your interests and work toward an amicable resolution.

Updates and Maintenance:

Estate plans need to be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in your financial situation, family dynamics, and applicable laws. We can provide ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that your estate plan remains current and effective.

Peace of Mind:

Engaging a law firm for estate planning provides peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in capable hands. It allows you to focus on enjoying your life without the constant worry of what may happen to your assets and loved ones in the future.

Serving the Greater Portland Metro Area, OR

Open Hours

Mon - Thurs: 9AM - 5PM

Friday: 9AM - 2PM