…as though there won’t be afterwards. Sadly, I’ve heard this fear expressed all too often, and just as often the decision was made not to discuss any of the plans for the estate until after a death, so as to avoid discord. Upon hearing this, an image of an ostrich with its head in the sand leaps to mind. Aversion to conflict is a malady that can sink a family. While the legal structure of wealth transfer is the will and estate plan, the indispensible foundation is communication and trust, best built as early as possible. It’s here that a professional with expertise in family dynamics can add significant value.