How to Help Your Parents Create Their Estate Plan Without Stress, Guilt, or Awkwardness
At some point, something shifts: you go from being the kid who asks for permission… to the adult who’s thinking, Should I be asking my parents if they have an estate plan?
It’s a strange transition — but also a meaningful one. Helping your parents get their estate plan in place isn’t about money or control. It’s about clarity, safety, and keeping your family protected no matter what.
And here’s the truth most families don’t realize until it’s too late: having these conversations early makes everything easier later.
With GoodTrust, you can even walk your parents through creating their plan step-by-step, at a fraction of what a traditional attorney might cost, and without stacks of paper or confusing jargon.
Let’s break down how to actually start the conversation — and how to support your parents as they build their plan.
Start With Why: The Gentle Approach
Parents don’t always love talking about aging, health, or finances — but they do care deeply about keeping you safe and informed. Sometimes the best way to begin is by connecting the plan to your clarity.
Try something like:
“I just want to make sure I know what to do if anything happens. Have you thought about writing down your health or financial preferences?”
Or:
“It would help me to know what to expect so I can plan wisely for the future.”
This frames the conversation around support, not fear.
For some parents, humor works even better…
Break the Ice With Humor (If That’s Your Family’s Style)
If you inherited your sense of humor from your parents, this may be your moment. A little levity can make the topic feel far less heavy:
“I’m the favorite, right? So what am I getting?”
“Listen, I don’t need the fancy china — but can I call dibs on the golf clubs?”
“Inheriting your sense of humor is all I really need… but paperwork helps, too.”
Behind the jokes is something simple: You care. You’re paying attention. And you want to help.
Make the Case for “Now” Instead of “Later”
Your parents aren’t going anywhere — and you can say that out loud. This conversation isn’t rushed. It’s responsible.
Try:
“I know you’re healthy and not going anywhere soon, but I’d love for us to take care of this now so we’re not stressed later.”
Or:
“I’d rather we have a plan in place and not need it than need it and not have it.”
Reassurance paired with practicality is the magic combo.
For more advice on how to talk to your parents and other family members, read our “21 Ways to Have the Estate Planning Conversation” article.
Be Honest About Your Concerns
Your motivation might be emotional — health changes, life transitions, or simply a desire for preparedness. And that’s okay. Sharing concern is a powerful, loving thing.
Try:
“I worry about what would happen to our family if something unexpected came up. This would give me peace of mind.”
“I want to make sure your wishes are honored, not guessed.”
Clear intentions reassure parents that this isn’t about pressure — it’s about care.
Offer Hands-On Help (This Is Where GoodTrust Shines)
For many parents, the hardest part of estate planning is simply knowing where to start. Forms, legal terms, decisions… it can feel overwhelming. Which is exactly why GoodTrust simplifies everything.
With the Estate+ Family Plan, you can:
Create up to four complimentary accounts
Guide your parents through their full estate plan
Store everything in the secure Digital Vault
Clearer state who gets access to what and when through the Trusted Contacts feature
Try saying:
“I know this can feel overwhelming — let’s do it together. GoodTrust makes it way easier than you think.”
“I can walk you through everything step-by-step. We can even make tea and do it on the couch.”
“We can complete this online. I’ll help with the whole thing.”
This is often the moment parents finally say one of the best sentences: "Okay… let’s do it."
Helping Your Parents Create Their Plan With GoodTrust
Once the conversation begins, the next step is actually building the plan. With GoodTrust, your parents can create:
A Will
A Trust
A Power of Attorney
A Health Care Directive
A Funeral Directive
A Digital Vault with Trusted Contacts
Even a Pet Directive
And the best part? It’s far more affordable and much easier than traditional alternatives.
GoodTrust guides them through every question, explains unfamiliar terms, and keeps everything organized and accessible for the whole family.
Estate planning goes from intimidating… to doable… to done.
Final Thought
Helping your parents create their estate plan isn’t just a task — it’s an act of love. It gives them dignity, gives you clarity, and gives your whole family a gift that lasts far beyond the paperwork.
And with the GoodTrust Family Plan, you can walk them through every step — simply, affordably, and side-by-side.
👉 Help your parents protect what matters, and create their estate plan with GoodTrust today.