5 Things to Think About When Estate Planning for Your Father

When a parent ages, it's natural to begin thinking about how to honor their wishes and protect their legacy. Estate planning for your father can feel like a daunting task, but taking thoughtful steps now can ease future stress, reduce costs, and avoid confusion during emotional times. Whether he’s in good health or facing new challenges, here are five essential considerations to guide the estate planning process.

1. Start with the Conversation

Estate planning begins with a conversation—one that’s often uncomfortable but absolutely necessary. Ask your father what his wishes are regarding his health care, property, and finances. Is there a particular heirloom he wants to pass on? Does he have strong preferences about medical treatment or burial arrangements? Creating a safe space for this dialogue ensures that his values guide every decision.

Tip: Don’t wait until a crisis. Start early while he is able to clearly express his intentions and participate in the planning process.

2. Understand and Organize His Assets

Make a list of all your father’s assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and personal belongings. Knowing what he owns—and how it’s titled—will inform decisions about how to transfer those assets efficiently.

Why this matters: Some assets (like jointly owned property or life insurance with named beneficiaries) may pass outside of a will or trust. Knowing how everything is structured helps avoid surprises and unintended consequences.

3. Establish the Right Legal Documents

A well-crafted estate plan includes more than just a will. Consider whether your father would benefit from:

• A Revocable Living Trust – to avoid probate and provide ongoing management if he becomes incapacitated.
• A Durable Power of Attorney – to designate someone to handle financial matters if he can’t.
• A Health Care Surrogate/Proxy and Living Will – to outline medical wishes and appoint someone to make decisions on his behalf.

Pro tip: Each state has its own rules, so consult with an estate planning attorney familiar with your father’s residence and any out-of-state property he may own.

4. Review and Update Beneficiaries

Make sure all beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death bank accounts are up to date and consistent with the estate plan.

Common pitfall: Outdated beneficiaries can override a will or trust, potentially disinheriting intended heirs or unintentionally favoring one child over another.

5. Plan for Long-Term Care and Final Expenses

Talk about how your father wants to handle potential long-term care—whether that’s aging in place, moving in with family, or transitioning to assisted living. Consider how care will be paid for and whether long-term care insurance, Medicaid planning, or a VA benefit (if he’s a veteran) should be part of the strategy.

Also important: Discuss how funeral and burial costs will be handled. Prepaying or setting aside funds in a dedicated account can ease the burden later.

Helping your father with estate planning is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give him—and your entire family. It’s about more than money; it’s about peace of mind, clarity, and preserving his wishes. By taking these five steps, you can ensure his legacy is protected and honored with care.

Need help getting started? Consider working with Emily Hicks Law. We can guide your family through the process with compassion and expertise. Book a call today.