This Holiday Season, Plan for Tomorrow—While Celebrating Today

Guidance from a Birmingham, Alabama estate planning law firm.

The holiday season is a time for family, food, and reflection. But it is also an ideal opportunity to check in on something that matters deeply: your family’s future. Estate planning may not be the most festive topic, but having thoughtful conversations and planning for tomorrow now can save loved ones from stress, confusion, and costly mistakes later.

Here are eight essential estate planning questions to ask your family during the holidays.

1. Do You Have a Current Will or Trust?

Many adults do not have an updated will or trust. Without one, family members may face unnecessary delays, court involvement, and expenses if something happens unexpectedly.

What to look for:

• No will or trust

• Estate plans older than 3–5 years

• Major life changes since the plan was made (marriage, divorce, births, deaths)

• Uncertainty about where the documents are stored

  
  

2. Who Will Handle Your Finances or Healthcare?

Executors, healthcare agents, and powers of attorney are essential roles that must be clearly designated. Without appointments, families may need to go to court to make urgent decisions.

Confirm that:

• Appropriate individuals have been appointed for each role

• Appointed individuals are still suitable

• Backup choices are in place

• Everyone knows their responsibilities

  
  

3. Are Your Beneficiaries Up to Date?

Beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments override a will or trust. Outdated or missing designations can create confusion and conflict.

Watch for:

• Missing designations

• Old accounts

• Ex-spouses or deceased beneficiaries still listed

• No secondary (contingent) beneficiaries

  
  

Consider using our Asset Alignment Guide to organize account information and document named beneficiaries for each account and life insurance policy.

4. Where Are Your Important Documents?

Knowing where key documents are located saves time and reduces stress during emergencies.

Important items include:

• Will and/or trust

• Powers of attorney

• Healthcare directives

• Financial and insurance records

• Property deeds

• Digital accounts and passwords

  
  

Consider using our Family Blueprint to document important information.

5. What Are Your Medical Care Preferences?

Discussing medical wishes reduces potential conflict and ensures family members can make confident decisions in emergencies.

Topics to cover:

• Life-support and end-of-life preferences

• Preferred healthcare providers

• Personal or religious considerations

  
  

6. Have You Planned for Long-Term Care?

Planning ahead helps families avoid rushed decisions during medical crises. Long-term care planning includes both financial and practical considerations.

Topics to explore:

• Insurance coverage

• Home safety and accessibility

• Desired caregiving arrangements

• Who may help with caregiving

7. Is Your Home Titled Correctly?

Proper home ownership ensures your property passes according to your wishes and can help avoid probate.

Check for:

• Only one spouse listed when joint ownership is needed

• Adult children added without understanding consequences

• No long-term plan for the home

  
  

8. What Values or Traditions Do You Want to Leave Behind?

Estate planning is not just about money. Discussing legacy, traditions, and charitable goals ensures your family inherits values as well as assets.

Ideas to explore:

• Family history or stories

• Charitable giving goals

• Traditions to pass on

• Letters or messages for future generations

  
  

Consider using our Legacy Letter Workbook to guide your conversation.

Tips for Holiday Estate Planning Conversations

• Pick the right moment: A quiet walk or car ride often works better than the dinner table.

• Be gentle and curious: The goal is understanding, not pressure.

• Share your own plans first: This makes the conversation feel mutual.

• Offer practical help: Help organize documents or schedule appointments.

  
  

Your Next Step

At Provident Law / Estate Planning LLC, we help families create and update estate plans that truly protect their loved ones. Whether it is drafting a will, updating beneficiaries, or preparing for long-term care, we make the process easy. We are here to help you build a plan that provides peace of mind for you and your family.

About the Author

Colin McMichen is an experienced attorney and the founder of Provident Law / Estate Planning LLC, a Birmingham, Alabama-based firm. With a focus on estate planning and probate law, Colin is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with confidence.