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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 11 J U LY 8 , 2 0 2 4 Whether a testator, or person writ- ing a will, is giving larger sums to char- ity or giving more funds to one child than the other instead of dividing assets equally, outlining logic is key. Ultimately it is the testator's decision what to do with assets, but explaining the reasoning beforehand can hopefully spare resentment and disagreements in the aftermath. Preparing your family with what to expect can make the process smoother and ensure no one is blindsided. 3. Plan for personal items e word "assets" suggests money and property, but often it is the sen- timental items that mean the most to families. It could be heirloom jewelry, grandma's dining room table or a favorite lamp. Sometimes it is the lit- tlest things that can mean so much to family members and remind them of those who have passed. rough his estate planning expe- rience, Smolkin advises people to have open and honest conversations about the sentimental items that mean the most to them during the conversation. "e goal of having these conver- sations and doing an estate plan is to keep the family together, and to mini- mize the discord that could happen in a very stressful, difficult time," he says. 4. Focus on the person It can be hard for children to broach the topic to their aging parents, but having a plan can make sure a family is abiding by the last wishes of their loved ones. Instead of focusing on assets, real- ize that an estate plan can help fig- ure out whether a loved one wants a funeral service, burial, creamation and so on. Smolkin advises an easy way to break the ice is to just be upfront and say something such as, "I just want to make sure that we understand what your wishes are so that we can carry those out. We want to make sure that we're doing what you want us to do, that the assets are going where you want them to go, and we just want to make sure that there's a plan in place." Focusing on the person you love and having a plan in place before can pro- vide some stability during times of grief. S l o a n e M . P e r r o n , a f r e e l a n c e w r i t e r , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t e d i t o r i a l @ m a i n e b i z . b i z All the choices and comforts of home 650 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine thecedarsportland.org Maine's first and only Households—The Sam L. Cohen Households—offer an entirely new level of person-centered care in a real home. Within welcoming private residences and warm and cozy community spaces, specially trained and dedicated staff provide award-winning care in the moment to support a lifestyle filled with social connection, meaningful activities, and personal growth. Private rooms with en suite baths Always-open kitchen, dining, and living rooms Sunporches and sensory gardens Private rooms with ensuite baths Always-open common spaces Person-centered care from highly trained staff Call 207.221.7000 to tour the Lunder Memory, Assisted Living, and Enhanced Assisted Living Households. S O U R C E : Plannedgiving.com, 2024 ESTATE PLANNING BY AGE 24% 45% 27% 81% People 18–34 with a will People 25–54 with a will People 55+ with a will People 72+ with a will