How to Talk to Aging Parents About Estate Planning (Without Overstepping)
Bringing up estate planning with your aging parents can feel awkward. You want to make sure they’re protected—but you also don’t want to sound pushy, intrusive, or like you’re trying to take over.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we often hear from adult children who say:
“I know my parents need a plan… but I don’t know how to start the conversation.”
The truth is, estate planning is just as much about peace of mind and dignity as it is about paperwork. And when approached with empathy and care, it can actually strengthen relationships and reduce stress for everyone involved.
Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney: What Every Family Needs to Know Before a Crisis
When a loved one becomes unable to manage their own affairs—whether due to illness, injury, or age-related decline—families are often left scrambling to figure out who can step in to help.
In these moments, the difference between having a Power of Attorney in place and needing to petition for guardianship through the courts becomes painfully clear. One gives you immediate, compassionate authority to help your loved one. The other can be a costly, public, and emotionally difficult process.
The Cost of Doing Nothing: What Happens If You Die Without a Plan in Washington State
Leaving an inheritance is one of the most personal acts of love and responsibility—but what happens when you don’t intend to divide things equally among your children or heirs?
Whether due to differences in financial need, caregiving roles, estrangement, or previous gifts during your lifetime, there are many valid reasons for leaving unequal inheritances. The challenge is how to do it without sparking conflict, confusion, or resentment.
How to Leave Unequal Inheritances Without Creating Family Drama
Leaving an inheritance is one of the most personal acts of love and responsibility—but what happens when you don’t intend to divide things equally among your children or heirs?
Whether due to differences in financial need, caregiving roles, estrangement, or previous gifts during your lifetime, there are many valid reasons for leaving unequal inheritances. The challenge is how to do it without sparking conflict, confusion, or resentment.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we help Washington families navigate this sensitive issue with clarity, compassion, and strategy—because your estate plan should reflect your values and protect your relationships.
