How Estate Attorneys Can Support Family Estate Planning Conversations During the Holidays

Helping Families Talk About Estate Planning

For many families, the holidays are one of the few times when everyone gathers in the same place. It’s a time of connection and reflection, which can also make it a natural opportunity to talk about long-term planning, responsibilities, and legacy.

At the same time, estate planning conversations can carry emotional weight. When unstructured or unexpected, they can create stress or lead to misunderstanding. Attorneys have a unique role in preparing clients for these discussions with clarity and confidence.

Here are five tips you can share with clients or use as part of your broader estate planning conversations during the holiday season.

1. Start with Shared Memories

Encouraging clients to begin estate planning discussions by honoring family history or remembering loved ones can ease tension and establish common ground. Stories about grandparents, family traditions, or meaningful heirlooms can naturally lead to broader conversations about wishes, values, and legacy.

These moments offer an opening to talk about the importance of making decisions ahead of time and the value of documenting those wishes clearly.

2. Emphasize the Benefit of Proactive Conversations

Estate plans often involve sensitive topics like guardianship, inheritance, and end-of-life care. While some clients may prefer to avoid these subjects, attorneys can remind them that early, open communication helps reduce confusion later on.

Families are better served when key individuals understand the intent behind the plan. Attorneys can guide clients in preparing how to present this information in a calm and constructive way.

Even if family members don’t fully agree with every detail, understanding the rationale behind the decisions often leads to fewer disputes in the future.

3. Share the Plan When Appropriate

When the timing feels right, clients may choose to share elements of their estate plan with those directly impacted. This might include individuals named as guardians, trustees, or healthcare decision makers.

Reviewing the plan together can prompt helpful questions, clarify roles, and encourage others to reflect on their own planning. For some clients, it also provides a sense of closure, knowing their loved ones understand their intentions.

4. Revisit Key Decisions with Family Input

For clients with minor children, the holidays can be a good time to revisit or confirm guardianship choices. If someone named in the plan is present, it offers an opportunity to check in and ensure that the person is still comfortable with the role.

Similarly, clients may want to gather informal feedback from family about caregiving responsibilities or the structure of the plan. Attorneys can help ensure these insights are followed up on formally, and that any changes are documented properly.

5. Encourage Legacy as a Gift

For clients who are financially supporting adult children or aging parents, attorneys can suggest estate planning as a meaningful gift. Covering the cost of a basic plan or introducing a trusted professional can provide long-term peace of mind for loved ones.

Attorneys may also want to share educational resources or offer to host short consults during the holidays to help answer questions and support broader planning across generations.

Supporting Clients Beyond the Documents

Estate planning is deeply personal. Attorneys who help clients prepare for family conversations provide value that goes well beyond the legal work. Whether it’s encouraging reflection, facilitating dialogue, or helping a client communicate their wishes clearly, these moments can strengthen relationships and increase plan adoption.

With tools like Trust & Will for Attorneys, legal professionals can access client plan summaries, share key documents securely, and track life events that may prompt future updates—all from a single platform.

👉 Explore the Attorney Platform and see how it can help you support your clients’ plans and conversations all year round.