When I found out my husband had been cheating on me, I felt like the ground had opened up beneath my feet. Suddenly it felt like anything I had believed in was unsure. After some reflection I realised that I had been blind about how badly our marriage had been going, and I can't live in that lie anymore. The only way through the darkness is to leave the lies and cheating behind and start over in my life, committed to honesty in all my relationships. This blog is all about my journey through separation and divorce into my new honest life.
Divorce is a painful process that can be difficult for everyone involved. It not only affects the married
Going through a divorce can be an emotionally challenging and complex process. However, with the assistan
If you co-parent with someone who you are not in a relationship with, you might know just how hard this c
According to Australian laws, a couple separated for at least 12 months can apply for divorce through a f
Divorce brings with it a myriad of issues, especially when children are involved. Spouses have to think a
A significant proportion of Australia's property owners die without a will. When this happens, it means that settling the estate may take longer, cost more or even ignite wrangles and disagreements among the family members. Approaching the topic of preparing a will with a parent can often be difficult, especially since your intentions may be misunderstood. A will usually presents the reality of death, a fact which many people hate to accept. For this reason, the mode in which you approach your parents about wills should be carefully considered so that you don't end up arousing tension.
Here are some tips on how you can approach this topic lovingly and protect your parents' estate in the event of their passing away.
Seek counsel from your siblings
Unless you are an only child, consulting with your siblings before approaching your parents is essential. Your siblings can help you determine the ideal time for bringing up the topic. Also, you can decide to talk to your parents together so that they can realise the importance of the issue. Any feelings of ill motives among your siblings are cleared as opposed to if you decide to approach your parents without talking to the other parties who will have a stake in the will.
Make your intentions clear
Your motive of bringing up the topic of will preparation can be misunderstood if you don't outline your intentions in advance. A will can help protect your parents' investments and hard-earned money by avoiding expensive court proceedings as a result of a conflict. It can also assist in executing and honouring your parents' wishes as regards division of their estate once they are gone. Make them understand this so that they can feel motivated to prepare the will as soon as possible.
Show empathy and love
If your parents are old or suffer from any form of terminal illness, talking to them about preparing a will can be a sensitive issue. You may end up arousing feelings of anxiety, stress and depression, which can even worsen your parents' condition. As such, be sensitive and show empathy and love as you approach the topic. Try to maintain a light tone so that they can go easy on the issue. If you find that they aren't comfortable, drop the topic and refer to it at another better time.
Once your parents are on board, make sure that you find a good family lawyer to guide them through the process of preparing the will and any legal procedures involved in the process.
Share