How to Talk with Loved Ones About Estate Planning

How To Talk with Loved Ones About Estate Planning

By Whitney Knox Lee, Esq.

July 28, 2025

When I think of July, I think of family vacations, reunions, cookouts, fireworks, and group chats that somehow start with “what should I bring?” and end with “remember when your sister used salt instead of sugar?”

But what if we used some of that time together to talk about legacy? I’m not saying pull out legal documents between ribs and red velvet cake—but what if we planted seeds now through conversations that protect our people and preserve our property in the future?

Let’s talk about estate planning—and how to actually talk about it with your loved ones.

Why Estate Planning Conversations Matter

Monthly I speak to 30-60 people about estate planning in my free, public estate planning seminars (and paid, private seminars for groups). I like to engage folks early to consider whether estate planning is a part of their family culture. I usually get a couple of hands raised. Two or three people out of 20 in the room. And often it’s those same people who are the only people in the room with any part of an estate plan in place. 

Let’s keep it real:

• More than 70% of Black and Hispanic adults don’t have a will. Urban Institute 
• Over 75% don’t have a power of attorney or health care proxy. Urban Institute 
• 72% of elderly Black respondents had never had anyone discuss a health care proxy and its importance with them. Journal of Extension 

That’s not a coincidence. That’s a crisis. And not because we don’t care—but because we haven’t always had the tools, the language, or the support to get this part of our legacy right. Our families are doing everything right—working hard, buying homes, caring for kids—but we’re still losing wealth every generation because there’s no plan in place.

We can change this, today. Right now. Just by starting the conversations. 

Here’s how you can bring it up without sounding like a downer at the family reunion:

For Aging Parents:

“Hey Mama, if anything ever happens, I just want to make sure we know what you want. Can we talk about that sometime soon?”

For Young Adults:

“You don’t need a mansion to make a plan. Even just naming someone to speak for you if you’re sick is a powerful step.”

For Parents/Guardians of Minor and/or Special Needs Children:

“I remember you naming a god-parent for your kids. Have you made that legal? Who do you want to care for your children if you can’t and have you completed a designation of standby guardianship form?”

For Everyone:

“I’ve been learning about how much property our people lose just because we didn’t put it in writing or because we left the property to too many people. I don’t want that for us.”

Don’t make it scary. Make it part of the culture. Normalize it like birthday cakes and cash apps.

Don't Be Afraid to Start Small 

Estate planning doesn’t have to be a huge family discussion! Start a short conversation about estate planning with one family member this month. Use yourself and your estate planning journey as a starting point!

Get empowered by researching Georgia’s standard Power of Attorney and Advance Directive for Healthcare forms on Google. Your doctor's office or hospital may have fillable versions on site. Although these documents are free and publicly available, they can be hard to understand. Work with us to make sure your selections reflect your wishes. You can also join one of our community workshops or host a private seminar or Power Party to create community. 

The first step doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Legacy Is Love

Estate planning isn’t about fear, or death. It’s about love, dignity, and making sure your family has what they need when it matters most. And if we want to break cycles of loss, we have to start building a culture of planning—one conversation at a time.

So this July, alongside the fireworks and family fun, ask yourself: What legacy am I leaving—and who have I talked to about it?

You’ve got this. And your people need you to have it.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in protecting your family's assets, it might be time to speak to an expert. At Wills for the People, we believe estate planning should be within reach for everyone. Schedule a Legacy Planning Meeting today, and we'll create a plan that protects your loved ones and secures your future.