The holiday season is upon us, which means it's time to start thinking about dreaded small talk with extended family members. But this year, why not take the opportunity to have a more meaningful conversation with your loved ones? If you're thinking about estate planning, now is the perfect time to bring it up with your family. Here are a few tips on how to broach the subject.

Do: Talk about why estate planning is important to you.

Your family members may not be too keen on discussing their mortality, but they'll be more likely to listen if you explain why estate planning is important to you. Share your story and explain how making an estate plan has given you peace of mind.

Don't: Bring up the subject at the dinner table.

Estate planning can be a sensitive topic, so it's best to avoid discussing it in front of other people. Instead, schedule a time for a one-on-one conversation with each of your loved ones. This will give them the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns they may have in a safe and comfortable setting.

Do: Be prepared to answer questions.

Your family members are bound to have questions about estate planning, so it's important that you go into the conversation armed with information. Do some research beforehand so you can address any misconceptions they may have about estate planning (e.g., "It's only for rich people," "It's too complicated," etc.). It's also a good idea to have a list of resources handy in case they want to learn more about the topic.

Discussing estate planning with your family doesn't have to be awkward or uncomfortable—with a little preparation, it can actually be pretty easy! By following the tips above, you can ensure that the conversation goes smoothly and that everyone leaves feeling informed and empowered to make decisions about their future.

If you need help setting your estate plan, contact our Metro West Boston estate planning lawyers today at (800) 828-7854 to schedule a consultation!