From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Gifting to a Caregiver in a Will

Most Recently Updated August 1, 2018.

“My caregiver has been with me for over two years and is a saint. I want to give her a gift in my will, but I am worried my children will think that this was her idea and try to stop the gift. What do you suggest?”

Gifting to a Caregiver in a Will

You are correct to be concerned, as caregivers are often in a position to use undue influence to get ill patients to give them gifts. If your children decide to challenge the gift, it could delay your estate and create a court battle that would only be expensive for all involved.

I suggest that you meet with an estate planning lawyer who also has experience with estate litigation. This dual experience will help your lawyer avoid future conflict. He or she will know what problems can result from sloppy work in making this will change. The lawyer will then help add the clause to your will, and also be available to testify in the future about your mental state if your children believe that your caregiver was behind the gift. Your caretaker should not be present for any of this.

I understand that you wish to keep your financial plans private, but it would also be a good idea to tell your children about the gift now, while you can explain your intent.

More Planning Questions?

Gifting to a Caregiver in a Will is only a piece of the Estate Planning process. By all means, if you want to learn more, please read my more detailed article, Estate Planning Everything You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Gifting to a Caregiver in a Will

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining Gifting to a Caregiver in a Will. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website so you can learn more. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Estate Planning lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced estate planning lawyers.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to make the process as painless as possible!

Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Estate Litigation, It’s All We Do!

 

Tags: Estate Planning, Estate Planning Attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Gifting Strategies, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia