Conflicts over money and inheritance can often drive families apart. It is important to discuss estate planning issues ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises for the heirs. Family members often have unrealistic expectations about what they are going to inherit. Friction in families can develop when people feel like the distribution of money and assets is not fair and just. A person who is writing a will and planning their estate should be open with their family so that they can have realistic expectations. By being prudent, and planning ahead, an estate planner will have an easier time keeping their family together.
See Robert Laura, How Your Kids Really Feel About The Way You Plan To Divvy Up Your Assets, Forbes, June 19, 2015.
Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse for bringing this article to my attention.
