How to Convince Your Elderly Parent to Create a Will in Tampa

Many people struggle to convince their senior parents to create estate plans. When people reach old age, they can become surprisingly stubborn. Some don’t want to be reminded of their own mortality, while others might feel insulted by the mere suggestion of a Will. Still others might be suspicious about your motives for talking about inheritance, and this can all lead to considerable frustration for adult children who are just trying to do the right thing. Can an estate planning lawyer in Tampa help with these issues?

Set Up a Meeting With an Estate Planning Lawyer 

If your parents seem to dismiss the idea of estate planning, you might be able to convince them to simply meet with a lawyer. Make sure to tell them that there are no obligations associated with a consultation. After the meeting is finished, they are free to simply walk away without hiring the estate planning lawyer. Tell them how much it would mean to you if you simply listened to what a lawyer has to say.

Legal professionals can often explain the importance of estate planning more effectively than average people. Their extensive knowledge of this subject may impress your parents, and they may be more willing to engage in the process after an in-depth discussion.

Try Not to Push Too Hard 

With all that said, it is important not to be too forceful in this situation. If you give your parents ultimatums or even threats, the resulting Will could become invalid. At a later date, someone in your family could argue that you pressured your parents into creating the Will. As a result, the probate court could find that the Will is completely unenforceable.

Don’t Make it About You 

If your parents are suspicious about your motives, you might want to shift the conversation toward other people in your family. For example, you might have a child or niece who is approaching college. You might underline the cost of tuition and suggest that an estate plan could help these young students cover their costs. This could convince your parents to finally engage in the estate planning process.

What if My Parents Are Losing Mental Capacity?

 If your parents are refusing to create an estate plan due to increasing levels of senility or mental incapacity, you might have to take alternative actions.

Can an Estate Planning Lawyer in Seminole Help My Senior Parents? 

An estate planning lawyer in New Port Richey may be able to help you approach difficult situations involving your parents. At the end of the day, however, it is your parents who must take this step independently. A consultation with a lawyer may provide you with some ideas on how to carefully and respectfully broach this topic. Speak with Knudsen Law today to learn more.

Sources:

 floridabar.org/public/consumer/pamphlet011/

thecut.com/article/elderly-parents-will.html