The holiday season is often seen as a time for celebration, family gatherings, and reflection. But beyond the festive spirit, the holidays offer a unique opportunity to have meaningful conversations about important life decisions – including estate planning and wills. Although it might seem like an uncomfortable topic, the holidays are actually an ideal time to address these matters, especially when loved ones are together.
Here’s why the holiday season is the perfect time to discuss estate planning and why it’s an essential part of ensuring peace of mind for your family.
1. Family gatherings make discussions easier
The holidays naturally bring family members together, often under the same roof. This means it’s an excellent time to have a thoughtful conversation about estate planning with everyone present. Whether it’s a gathering with immediate family or a larger group, having your loved ones in one place allows you to discuss your wishes openly and make sure everyone is on the same page. Rather than seeing it as an awkward or heavy topic, frame it as a practical and loving step to ensure that your family is prepared and protected.
2. The spirit of togetherness encourages thoughtful conversations
The holiday season is also a time when emotions and relationships take centre stage. Families tend to reflect on what truly matters – love, care, and support. This mindset provides the perfect backdrop for an honest conversation about how you want to protect your family’s future. By discussing estate planning now, you’re ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of in the long term, which is a valuable gift in itself.
3. It’s a good time to review existing wills
If you already have a will in place, the end of the year is an excellent time to review it. Family circumstances may have changed over the past year – perhaps there’s been a new birth, marriage, or even the passing of a loved one. Additionally, your financial situation may have shifted, and assets or debts may need to be updated in your will.
Taking advantage of the holiday season to review your will allows you to address these changes while they’re fresh in your mind, ensuring your estate plan reflects your current wishes.
4. Estate planning offers peace of mind for the year ahead
One of the best reasons to tackle estate planning during the holidays is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that you have a clear plan in place for the future reduces stress and uncertainty for both you and your family. The holidays are often a time for reflection and setting goals for the new year – why not make one of those goals ensuring that your estate plan is up to date? Getting your will in order and reviewing important documents with your loved ones can help you feel more prepared for the future and enable your family to approach the new year with a sense of security.
5. It’s a Loving gesture for your family’s future
While discussing wills and estate planning might not sound festive, it’s actually one of the most caring gestures you can make for your family. By ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and by making important legal and financial decisions now, you can help avoid future conflict and confusion. Taking the time to explain your decisions to your loved ones while you’re all together fosters transparency and trust. It also gives your family a chance to ask questions and provide input, making the process more collaborative and clear.
Start the conversation this holiday season
While estate planning may not seem like a traditional holiday topic, it can bring lasting peace of mind to both you and your family. Use this holiday season as a chance to start an open, honest discussion about your will and estate planning, ensuring your loved ones are prepared for the future. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make these important decisions. With the support of APS, you can give your family the gift of security and confidence heading into the new year.
Chat with the team at APS Wills & Estates.
Written by APS Wills & Estates Principal Lawyer Phillip Lambourne
Phil is a lawyer with over 35 years of experience in private practice and over 25 years of experience in the trusts and estate planning area. As Principal Lawyer with APS Wills & Estates, Phil provides advice and prepares documentation in the areas of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate Administration for clients across Australia. He also provides clients with conveyancing and property law, commercial law and state tax advice services.
When Phil isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with family, reading new books, and watching new shows with some good scotch whisky, red wine and cheese. Phil also enjoys playing trombone in the Melbourne Lawyers Big Band!