Estate planning may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving, but hear me out—Thanksgiving is actually the perfect time to have these important family discussions. Why? Because everyone’s gathered together, feeling relaxed (and full of turkey), and it’s a natural time to reflect on what matters most: family, gratitude, and the future. At Voorhees Law Group, we encourage families to use Thanksgiving as a starting point for estate planning conversations.
Here’s how to make estate planning a natural part of your Thanksgiving gathering:
- Frame the Conversation Around Gratitude and Legacy
Instead of jumping straight into talk about wills and trusts, start the conversation by reflecting on what you’re grateful for—your family, health, and the values you want to pass down. This sets the tone for discussing estate planning in a positive, family-focused way. Estate planning is about protecting your legacy and ensuring that the things you care about are preserved for future generations.
For example, you might say: “I’ve been thinking about how important it is to preserve our family’s values, and I want to make sure my estate plan reflects that.”
- Clarify Roles and Responsibilities
Estate planning involves specific roles—like executor, trustee, and healthcare power of attorney—that come with significant responsibilities. Thanksgiving is an ideal time to clarify who will take on these roles and make sure they understand what’s involved. Discussing this now, when things are calm, can prevent confusion and potential conflict later on.
If someone has been named healthcare power of attorney, make sure they’re comfortable with that role and understand your healthcare preferences. Similarly, if someone is named executor, ensure they know what their duties will be.
- Review Your Estate Plan
Have there been changes in your family or financial situation over the past year? Thanksgiving is a great time to review your estate plan and ensure that it’s up to date. Did you welcome a new grandchild? Did you acquire new assets? Make sure your estate plan reflects any new developments in your life.
You don’t have to go through every detail during Thanksgiving, but having a quick review of your will, trusts, and other key documents with close family members can prevent future issues. This way, you ensure that everyone understands your wishes and that there are no surprises down the road.
- Discuss Legacy Planning
Estate planning isn’t just about the present—it’s about ensuring that your family is protected for generations to come. Thanksgiving offers a perfect opportunity to talk about how your estate plan can support your children, grandchildren, and even charitable causes you care about. Including your family in these discussions can help them feel connected to your legacy and understand the importance of preserving it.
If charitable giving is part of your estate plan, this is a good time to share those plans with your family. Maybe you want to leave a portion of your estate to a local nonprofit or establish a scholarship fund. Talking about these decisions helps ensure that your family understands your goals and can carry them forward.
- Keep the Conversation Light and Positive
Estate planning can be a heavy topic, but it doesn’t have to be. Approach the conversation with a positive mindset. Emphasize that you’re having this discussion because you care about your family and want to ensure everything is taken care of in the future. By keeping the conversation light and focusing on gratitude, you can ease any discomfort and encourage a productive dialogue.
Remember, you don’t have to cover everything in one sitting. This can be the beginning of an ongoing conversation about your family’s future and legacy. The important thing is to start the conversation now, so everyone feels prepared and supported.
Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and the future, and estate planning fits right in. Take the opportunity to have these essential conversations while everyone is together. Request a consultation today to ensure your estate plan is up to date and ready for whatever the future holds.