Estate Planning for Adult Children: Preparing to Support Aging Parents in the Pacific Northwest
For many families, the roles eventually shift: parents who once cared for their children now need their children to help care for them. In the Pacific Northwest, we’re seeing more adult children stepping into these roles—sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly after a health crisis.
While the emotional weight of this shift is significant, the practical challenges can be even greater without proper planning. Estate planning is one of the most powerful tools adult children can use to prepare for their parents’ future—and their own peace of mind.
Why This Matters
Adult children are often the first to notice when parents begin to struggle with managing finances, remembering medications, or handling day-to-day tasks. When the time comes to step in, legal authority is not automatic—even for close family members.
Without powers of attorney, trusts, or updated wills, children may find themselves locked out of their parents’ financial and medical decisions, forced into court just to provide basic help.
Key Conversations to Start Now
- Do you have current powers of attorney?
These documents authorize a trusted child or other family member to step in for finances and health care when needed. Outdated documents—especially those created before law changes—may not provide the necessary authority. The outdated documents also might name people that are no longer able to act. - Do you have a will or trust?
If not, state intestacy laws (different in Washington and Oregon) will decide who inherits—often in ways that don’t reflect family wishes. - Have you planned for long-term care?
With average costs exceeding $11,000 per month, planning for Medicaid eligibility or asset protection is essential to avoid financial devastation. - Do you know where important documents are kept?
Even the best plan is useless if no one can find it.
Adult Children as Advocates
Encouraging parents to plan ahead is not about control—it’s about compassion. It’s about being prepared. It’s about trying to make future stressful situations more manageable. By starting these conversations early, adult children help prevent confusion, conflict, and unnecessary legal battles later.
We often remind families: estate planning is not about taking something away. It’s about giving everyone clarity, dignity, and peace of mind.
How We Can Help
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we guide families across Washington and Oregon in navigating these delicate conversations. We design plans that support aging parents while respecting family dynamics and protecting assets for future generations.
If you’re ready to take the first step, schedule a consultation with our team today.