What Happens When Three Generations Talk About Long-Term Care? A Lesson in Planning That Sticks.
Estate planning isn’t just about wills, trusts, or who gets the house. At its best, it’s a conversation between generations—a chance to talk about legacy, values, digital assets, and the kinds of decisions that shape how families care for one another.
That’s exactly what happened when I recently met with three generations of one Nebraska family. What began as a routine estate planning session quickly became something much deeper.
A Real Conversation Around a Real Table
The grandfather was in his seventies. His adult son had taken time off work to attend. And his granddaughter, a college student, sat quietly at first—jotting notes in a spiral notebook while sipping a green smoothie.
When we started discussing long-term care planning, powers of attorney, and how to avoid probate, she raised her hand and asked:
“Does this include things like his email or cloud photos? What happens to all of that?”
That one question shifted the whole conversation.
Her grandfather hadn’t considered it. Her father hadn’t either. But her insight opened a door—one that allowed the entire family to think beyond real estate and retirement accounts. They started talking about family photos, digital memories, and preserving stories. And more importantly, they talked about how to avoid the chaos and confusion that can come when things are left unsaid or unplanned.
This is the power of multigenerational estate planning: everyone gets a voice, and every generation brings something meaningful to the table.
What Is Multigenerational Estate Planning?
Multigenerational estate planning involves more than creating a will or trust. It’s a strategy that includes input from multiple generations—typically older adults, their adult children, and sometimes even grandchildren. These conversations help:
Clarify long-term care goals
Coordinate financial responsibilities and caregiving plans
Address digital assets and technology questions
Reduce future conflict by increasing transparency
Empower younger family members with financial literacy and legal awareness
Rather than viewing estate planning as a one-person task, this approach makes it a family dialogue, with everyone contributing to the plan’s success.
Why These Conversations Matter—Especially in Nebraska
Families in Nebraska often have deep community roots, multi-generational homes, and shared land or property. Estate planning here frequently includes:
Farms or rural real estate
Retirement accounts and family-run businesses
Family heirlooms and cultural values
But even in a state known for practicality and close-knit families, estate planning can become difficult if those conversations are avoided. That’s why involving everyone early can make such a difference.
When grandparents, parents, and young adults work together, the result is more than a plan—it’s a shared understanding of what matters most.
How Digital Assets and Young Voices Are Changing the Game
Younger generations think about estate planning differently. They’re asking questions like:
What happens to my online subscriptions or digital bank accounts?
Can someone access my photo storage or social media if I die?
Should we include digital assets in the estate plan?
The answer to all of that is: yes, and we should. A modern estate plan should absolutely address digital assets, and younger family members often help bring this to the surface.
Just like that granddaughter at the meeting—her question about cloud photos wasn’t just about tech. It was about preserving family memory. About protecting what matters to her generation. And those questions? They strengthen the plan for everyone.
Creating a Plan That Works for the Whole Family
When I facilitate multigenerational estate planning, I focus on:
Clear communication: helping family members understand the process and the options
Legal accuracy: ensuring documents follow Nebraska estate law
Emotional context: honoring the life stories and values behind the decisions
Practical coordination: making sure the right people know where documents are, what they mean, and what to do if something happens
Because at the end of the day, a good estate plan isn’t just about avoiding probate or minimizing taxes. It’s about leaving clarity instead of chaos.
FAQ: Multigenerational Estate Planning in Nebraska
What is multigenerational estate planning?
It’s a collaborative approach to estate planning that involves multiple generations of a family—usually parents, adult children, and sometimes grandchildren. The goal is to create a coordinated plan that reflects shared goals, values, and responsibilities.
Why should younger generations be involved in estate planning?
They often raise important questions about digital assets, long-term care, and family history. Including them helps prevent confusion and empowers them to act confidently when needed.
What should be included in a Nebraska estate plan?
A basic plan often includes a will, powers of attorney, a HIPAA release, and in some cases, a trust. It should also consider digital assets, property, and clear instructions about long-term care and medical decisions.
How does digital estate planning work?
Digital estate planning ensures that online accounts, photos, files, and other digital assets are included in your legal documents. This allows loved ones to access important accounts or memories without a lengthy court process.
Is multigenerational estate planning only for large estates?
Not at all. Families of all sizes and financial means can benefit from the clarity and collaboration this approach brings.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
Estate planning doesn’t have to be dry, intimidating, or one-sided. When done well, it’s a living conversation—one that honors your history, prepares for the future, and brings your family closer in the process.
If your family is ready to build a plan that works across generations, I’m here to help you create the space to do it—legally, practically, and with care.
Call 402-259-0059 or email zach@zandersonlaw.com to get started.