There is sometimes a lot of secrecy about a person’s estate plan. Yet, things would be much simpler if everyone shared a few choice details about their estate plan with select individuals.
Here are some of the people you should talk to about your plan:
Those you want to take on roles
Part of estate planning is naming people to help the plan go smoothly. The principal person is the executor, who will implement your plan when you die. However, you may need to name others to do other things for you, such as act as a power of attorney or guardian for any minor children you have. Don’t leave these nominations as a surprise. Tell them you want to pick them now, so you can get their understanding and approval, or seek someone else if needed.
Those who might worry about you
Some people are bound to worry and want to help out if you fall seriously ill or die. If you have strong preferences that they might go against, explaining your decision to them now can be wise. For example, you can tell them about your plans for scattering your ashes at sea that you have laid out in your estate plan if you fear they will do all they can to bury you in the family grave. Or you can let them know that you have appointed so and so as your health care power of attorney, should the doctors need to understand which medical treatments you would want or not want.
Those who will expect something
If you are intending to surprise anyone by leaving them nothing or much less than they might expect, it is better to inform them in advance. It gives them time to get to grips with your decision, and reduces the chance they will look for someone else to blame. It also gives you time to alter your plan should facts come to light in the discussion that cause you to reconsider.
While you can technically make an estate plan on the internet, it is unlikely to be very well made. Far better is to discuss your wishes with someone with the appropriate legal experience to help you make your plan a reality.