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 Max

McCauley explore one of the most common client questions: How much should parents tell their

children about their estate plan?

They break the issue into three levels—essentials, structure, and numbers—and discuss what to

share, when to share it, and why timing and maturity matter. From identifying key documents to

understanding trust structures and navigating sensitive family dynamics, this conversation offers

practical guidance for families aiming to strike the right balance.

00:00 – Introduction: Why Estate Transparency Is So Complicated

01:00 – Survey Insight: Most Boomers Think Sharing Is Important—But Few Actually Do

02:00 – Level One: The Essentials (Documents, Advisors, Policies & Emergency Info)

04:00 – Why Fiduciary Roles Should Not Be Revealed Too Early

06:00 – Burial Wishes, Insurance Policies & Other Overlooked Essentials

08:00 – Level Two: Understanding Structure Without Disclosing Wealth

09:00 – Trusts vs. Outright Gifts: What Children Need to Know (and Why)

10:00 – Letters of Intent & Explaining the Philosophy Behind Your Plan

12:00 – Conversations Don’t Count—Only Documents Do

13:00 – Level Three: The Numbers (Why Most Parents Should Avoid This Tier)

14:00 – Maturity, Financial Independence & When Kids Are Not Ready

16:00 – When Shared Numbers Reduce Pressure—or Create It

17:00 – Lifestyle vs. Reality: When Children Don’t Know Their Parents’ Wealth

18:00 – Aligning Spouses: Why You Should Rehearse the Conversation First

19:00 – Final Thoughts: No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

If you’d like to learn more or have questions, contact:

Danielle — [e-mail]

Herb — [e-mail]

Max — [e-mail]