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The Sandwich Generation: Planning for Your Children, Your Parents, and Yourself

Chad Fuss, Esq.
Aug 31
2 min read

Many families in Lake Oswego, West Linn, and the Portland area find themselves in a unique season of life. They are helping their children become independent while also beginning to help their own parents. They are supporting one generation while guiding another. This is often called the "sandwich generation." And for many families, it can feel like a lot to carry.


When Everyone Looks to You for Help

You may find yourself helping your child prepare for college while also helping your parents manage appointments, paperwork, or important decisions. You may be the person everyone calls when something needs to be handled. That responsibility often comes from a place of love. But love works best when there is a plan.


Start With Conversations

Many families avoid talking about estate planning because they worry it will feel uncomfortable. But conversations are often much easier before there is an emergency.

Important questions include:

  • Where are important documents located?

  • Who has authority to make decisions?

  • What are your parents' wishes?

  • What would your children need to know if something happened?

These conversations do not need to happen all at once. A simple conversation can be the beginning.


Planning Protects Everyone

Estate planning is not only about older generations. It helps families at every stage. Your parents may need a plan that allows you to help them. Your adult children may need documents that allow you to support them. And you may need your own plan to protect the people who depend on you.


You Do Not Have to Carry Everything Alone

Being the person your family trusts is an honor. But having a plan can make that responsibility much easier. The goal of estate planning is not to focus on difficult possibilities. The goal is to create clarity.


When families know the plan, they can spend less time searching for answers and more time supporting each other. The people you love are worth planning for.


Need help? Here's how to reach us:

We are licensed in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Nebraska, and Florida. We are happy to meet virtually during the normal 9 to 5 or in the evening or on weekends, so you don't have to take off work or get a babysitter.



 
 
 

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