Discussion about money and mortality is often taboo. Parents face difficult choices based on differing needs of their children and their own concerns regarding the protection of the assets. They often find themselves with the difficult task of defining "fair versus equal."

Potential beneficiaries are sometimes afraid to ask questions for fear of being perceived as rude, greedy or seemingly entitled. What frequently gets ignored in the number crunching and technical tax saving vehicles is the impact of the planning on relationships, both between the generations and between siblings. We provide the opportunity for parents to:

• Think through the issues they face in balancing the technical planning needs with their own needs and the desires of the next generation.
  
  
• Balance support for personal initiative and motivation of the next generation while at the same time, think about financial help with specified aspects of their lives.
  
  
• Look realistically at the sibling group and assess whether they want and are able to work together as part of family partnerships and/or family foundations.
  
  
• Address issues of fairness, equality, the size and timing of wealth transfers the protection of assets.
  
  
• Think through the decision of if, when, and how to disclose estate-planning information.
  
  
• Promote open dialogue between parents and beneficiaries so concerns can be expressed, resolved and closure reached.
  

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