Talking about estate planning isn’t exactly romantic, and it’s not unusual for one spouse to feel ready to get started while the other drags their feet. Whether it’s avoidance, overwhelming, or just not wanting to think about worst-case scenarios, these kinds of hesitations are common—but they don’t have to be roadblocks.
If your spouse isn’t quite on board yet, here are a few gentle ways to help move things forward:
- Focus on the “why.”
Start by talking about your shared goals: protecting your kids, avoiding unnecessary taxes, or making things easier for each other in an emergency. Sometimes the word “estate planning” feels intimidating, but the idea of planning for the people you love is a lot more relatable.
- Start small.
You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Suggest starting with a health care directive or power of attorney—something that’s relatively simple but makes a big impact if something unexpected happens.
- Address their concerns.
If your spouse is resistant, ask why. Are they worried it’ll be too expensive? Confused about what’s involved? Just not ready to make big decisions? Understanding their hesitation makes it easier to find a path forward.
- Offer to take the lead.
If you’re the one ready to move forward, offer to research attorneys, schedule the first appointment, or gather the paperwork. Taking initiative can remove some of the pressure and show that it’s a team effort.
- Don’t wait forever.
The truth is, the unexpected can happen at any time. The longer you wait, the more risk there is of being caught unprepared. Sometimes sharing a story—whether from the news or a personal experience—can help drive the point home.
You don’t have to be completely in sync to begin. Even if one of you is more hesitant, taking that first step together can make all the difference—and it’s a step toward protecting what matters most.
When you’re ready to start the conversation, Eastham Law Offices is here to help. Give us a call at 561-395-6800 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Let’s take that first step toward peace of mind—together.