The importance of estate planning for parents living overseas

Migrating to the U.S. is no easy feat but you did it. You made it here and have started a new life. Unfortunately, your parents are still back in Greece and you miss them terribly. Since you're unable to see them on a regular basis, you make it a point to have weekly phone dates.

You look forward to these dates every week because it gives you a chance to check in and hear all about what's happening back home. Lately, however, you've started to notice that your dad seems to be slowing down and are beginning to worry about the state of his health. He claims to be feeling fine and blames his ailments on old age.

As an adult child, it's tough to think about your parents getting older. It's equally concerning when you think about their lack of future plans. They've never mentioned having a will in place and the last time you brought it up they basically waved you off and wanted nothing to do with the conversation.

Should you continue to broach the subject?

This is a difficult conversation for any adult child to have with their parent(s), it's especially challenging when your parents live overseas. Difficulty aside, you should continue broaching the subject until action has been taken.

Your parent's hesitation on putting an estate plan together is likely contributed to the fact that they don't understand how the process works or the benefits that come of it. Assure them that writing a will doesn't have to be stressful and you'll do everything you can to help.

What are some helpful tips for getting through to your parents?

• Ask them about their professional experiences, remind them of how much they've sacrificed and why it's important protect everything they worked so hard for.
• Educate them on what will happen to their assets without a will.
• Talk about your own wishes; tell them how the estate planning process worked for you.
• If you haven't a plan together, offer to do it with them. That way you can bounce questions and thoughts off one another throughout the process.
• Do some preliminary research for them. Ultimately, it's up to them to make plans but you can help by getting them the necessary information on where to start.