Talking To Your Kids About Your Dying Wishes

Death is a frightening event, and putting the event into words more so. Some people do not mention death until they are diagnosed with a serious illness or when they suddenly find themselves in a hospital bed. If at all possible the conversation about your inevitable demise should be conducted before those two events. Even if that dialogue simply puts forth the idea that you do not want to linger on life support, your intentions should be known to your children at a reasonable stage of their lives.

Different states have options of expressing your intentions in writing depending on the state where you live.  It could consist of a health care directive, a living will, or a HIPAA waiver.

But remember – life support is not the only subject to discuss with your children. These topics may also include funeral arrangements, where to place your remains, etc. This exchange could be formal and take place at your lawer’s office with your children in attendance.  It could also be a family meeting in your own living room.

See Christine Fletcher, Talking To Your Kids About Your Dying Wishes, Forbes, May 15, 2018.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.