A Guide to Your Family Meeting

Christian Medical & Dental Associations®

December 27, 2023
Familymeeting

Telling Loved Ones About Your Will

 

What a blessing and relief! You have your legal will in place.

 

Now how do you tell the family?

 

A family meeting is a proactive way to protect your loved ones from the uncertainty and drama that too many families navigate after someone passes away.

 

Explaining your intentions can help everyone get on the same page, opening the door to healthy dialogue about your values, goals and estate plan.

 

Where do you begin?

 

Here are five key considerations to help you prepare for this important conversation.

 

  1. Who should be involved?
  2. Where is the best setting where all participants will feel welcome?
  3. Is there a date and time that will be most convenient for all involved?
  4. What else can be done to create a relaxed atmosphere that’s free from distraction?
  5. How many details of my plan am I willing to share?

 

Once these logistical decisions are made, you can focus on the heart of what needs to be communicated.

 

Need more help planning your family meeting? Request your free worksheet: “Sharing Your Estate Plan with Your Loved Ones” by calling Paul Montgomery at 423-844-1000 or email stewardship@cmda.org.

Christian Medical & Dental Associations®

About Christian Medical & Dental Associations®

The Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA) is made up of the Christian Medical Association (CMA) and the Christian Dental Association (CDA). CMDA provides resources, networking opportunities, education and a public voice for Christian healthcare professionals and students. Founded in 1931, CMDA provides programs and services supporting its mission to "change hearts in healthcare" with a current membership of over 13,000 healthcare professionals. CMDA promotes positions and addresses policies on healthcare issues; conducts overseas medical education and evangelism projects; coordinates a network of Christian healthcare professionals for fellowship and professional growth; sponsors student ministries in medical dental, PA, and other healthcare training schools; distributes educational and inspirational resources; hosts marriage and family conferences; provides developing world missionary healthcare professionals with continuing education resources; and conducts academic exchange programs overseas. By being the "hands of Jesus" to needy people, CMDA seeks to fulfill His Great Commandment (Matthew 22:39; 25:36) and His Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). The Christian Medical & Dental Associations® is a 501(c)3 and is governed by a Board of Trustees and House of Delegates. Policies of CMDA are interpreted and applied by the Board of Trustees, which also establishes the guidelines for the executive director and his staff. An elected House of Delegates assists the board with recommendations on courses of action. The House of Delegates is composed of graduate, student, resident and missionary members who are elected for three-year terms by district and meets annually at the CMDA National Convention. Approximately 75 employees currently make up the staff of CMDA in the national office and U.S. field offices.