Do Your Parents Have an Estate Plan?

If you’re part of the sandwich generation—caring for your children while also looking out for your aging parents—you already know how much there is to balance. Between school schedules, doctor visits, and daily responsibilities, one crucial question can often go unasked:
Do your parents have an estate plan in place?

At Dixie Law Group, PSC, we’ve seen firsthand how the lack of a plan can create stress and confusion for families. An estate plan isn’t just about what happens after someone passes—it’s about protecting their wishes, their finances, and their peace of mind today.

Starting the Conversation

Talking to your parents about estate planning isn’t easy. Topics like money, health, and end-of-life care can feel uncomfortable or even intrusive. But having that conversation now can prevent misunderstandings and emotional hardship later.

To help you get started, here are a few key areas to discuss:

1. Build the Right Team
   Encourage your parents to keep a list of their trusted advisors—attorneys, financial planners, and doctors. Even if they’re not ready to share every detail, knowing where this information is stored can make a world of difference when it’s needed.

2. Wills and Trusts
   Ask if your parents have a will or trust in place. If so, find out when it was last updated and where it’s stored. If not, it’s time to create one. These documents outline how assets will be handled and who will make decisions when the time comes.

3. Medical Directives
   A living will or healthcare power of attorney ensures your parents’ medical wishes are followed. Encourage them to choose someone they trust to make healthcare decisions if they’re unable to do so themselves.

4. Insurance Policies
   Make sure your parents (and their trusted representatives) know where to find information about all insurance policies—health, life, home, auto, disability, and long-term care.

5. Financial and Retirement Accounts
   Your parents should keep a secure list of their financial accounts, account numbers, and key contacts. A financial power of attorney can also be critical, allowing someone they trust to manage accounts if needed.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Without a solid estate plan, families can face unnecessary delays, costly legal fees, and even disputes among loved ones. Estate planning is about more than dividing assets—it’s about protecting your parents’ dignity, ensuring their wishes are honored, and giving everyone peace of mind.

Our estate planning attorneys at Dixie Law Group help families every day with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and long-term care planning. Whether your parents are just getting started or need to update their plan, we’ll walk you through each step with compassion and clarity.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Talking about estate planning now is one of the greatest gifts you can give your parents—and yourself. If you’re ready to help your family prepare for the future, our experienced estate planning team is here to guide you.

We have offices in Louisville on Dixie Highway, in Mt. Washington, and Hillview, and we serve clients across Kentucky. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and give your family the peace of mind they deserve.