Free guide
Tell your family about your plan
Here's a short letter you can send your kids, and easy ways to start the talk.
A letter for your kids
Change any word. It works best in your own voice.
Dear kids,
I've started putting my plans in order, so you won't have to guess if something happens to me.
I'm writing down my accounts, papers and wishes, and where to find each one. Each of you will get a short guide to your part. Later I'll ask you to try it, so we know it works.
Can we talk about it the next time we're together? I'd like you to hear it from me.
Love,
[Your name]
Easy ways to start
Pick one line. You don't need to cover everything at once.
I've put my important papers in one place. Can I show you where?
Plan Before You DieI want you to know who would speak for me if I couldn't.
Plan Before You DieIs there anything you'd want to ask me while I can answer?
Plan Before You DieWhen your kids push back
Keep it short. Let them ask questions.
"Don't talk like that."
Try saying, "I know it's hard to hear. I'm doing this so you won't have to guess."
"You've got years ahead of you."
Try saying, "I hope so. Doing it now means I make every choice myself."
"Not now."
Try saying, "Okay. Let's pick a day. One hour is enough to start."
Bringing it up with your mom or dad?
Send a short note first. Your parent stays in charge.
Mom, will you do something with me?
If you were in the hospital for a week, I wouldn't know who to call or where your papers are kept. I found a way you can put it all in one place, and you stay in charge.
Can we spend an hour on it together soon?
Love,
[Your name]
If your parent says no, respect that and ask again another time.
Start your plan before the talk
The free readiness check shows what your family would be missing. Then we help you fix it.