Dad won’t talk about estate planning. How can I avoid being blindsided?

2026-03-27 - 10:10

Q. I am an only child but my dad is very quiet on estate planning. I am unsure what to do at this point. I’m 40 years old and my dad is 67 years old. He owns a home, a boat, three cars and a cat. He is still working as a labour foreman for a construction company and he has had a live-in girlfriend for over 20 years now. My dad and I talk about every two or three days to check in, say hello and talk about his two granddaughters. When my mother (my dad’s ex-wife) died in 2021 I got serious about estate planning and asking my dad about his final affairs. But he is reluctant to say anything or show me anything. I am unsure if my name is on the house, or anything else, and just don’t want to be blindsided when the inevitable happens. I told him about two months ago to please not leave his affairs unplanned nor undocumented and if his girlfriend’s name is on documents as beneficiary, I just want to know to not cause any issues. She hasn’t worked in years and I’m unsure whether or how she contributes. How can I get my dad to put his affairs in order for the whole family’s sake? And if he doesn’t, what happens when he passes away if he doesn’t have a will? —Raymond in B.C. Read More