Approaching the end of your life is a difficult transition not only for you but for your family as well. Remember that, as you establish your estate plan and power of attorney, your family must come to terms with your mortality.
There are a few things that you can do to simplify the transition for everyone.
Conduct a full estate inventory
Talk with each of your loved ones about your estate and conduct a thorough inventory to identify anything specific that they might want. Discuss inheritance and assets with each family member and give them the chance to express their personal preferences. When they feel like a part of the decision, it is easier to adapt.
Discuss guardianship in advance
When you write out your estate plan and define guardianship expectations, talk with your family about the plan. Being clear about your guardianship wishes helps your loved ones to think about the future changes after your death.
Share your wishes frequently
Make your wishes known as openly and frequently as possible, encouraging open discussion and ongoing communication. When you treat your estate planning wishes and your will as a mainstream topic of conversation, you help your family become more comfortable with the topic as well.
The more open and communicative you are about your final wishes, the easier it is for your family to accept that transition and prepare for your death. Be practical, rational and reasonable about your communication to help them understand it without the emotional upheaval that can often come with it.