How Much Estate Information Should You Share with Your Kids?

How Much Estate Information Should You Share with Your Kids?In this episode of “Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom,” Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and MaxMcCauley explore one of the most common client questions: How much should parents tell theirchildren about their estate plan?They break the issue into three levels—essentials, structure, and numbers—and discuss what toshare, when to share it, and why timing and maturity matter. From identifying key documents tounderstanding trust structures and navigating sensitive family dynamics, this conversation offerspractical guidance for families aiming to strike the right balance.00:00 – Introduction: Why Estate Transparency Is So Complicated01:00 – Survey Insight: Most Boomers Think Sharing Is Important—But Few Actually Do02:00 – Level One: The Essentials (Documents, Advisors, Policies & Emergency Info)04:00 – Why Fiduciary Roles Should Not Be Revealed Too Early06:00 – Burial Wishes, Insurance Policies & Other Overlooked Essentials08:00 – Level Two: Understanding Structure Without Disclosing Wealth09:00 – Trusts vs. Outright Gifts: What Children Need to Know (and Why)10:00 – Letters of Intent & Explaining the Philosophy Behind Your Plan12:00 – Conversations Don’t Count—Only Documents Do13:00 – Level Three: The Numbers (Why Most Parents Should Avoid This Tier)14:00 – Maturity, Financial Independence & When Kids Are Not Ready16:00 – When Shared Numbers Reduce Pressure—or Create It17:00 – Lifestyle vs. Reality: When Children Don’t Know Their Parents’ Wealth18:00 – Aligning Spouses: Why You Should Rehearse the Conversation First19:00 – Final Thoughts: No One-Size-Fits-All ApproachIf you’d like to learn more or have questions, contact:Danielle — [email protected] — [email protected] — [email protected]