by BarryCaught in the Middle: Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation
If you’re in your late thirties, forties, or early fifties, there’s a good chance you’re being pulled in two directions at once. Your kids need your attention, your time, and your money. And increasingly, so do your aging parents. Financial planners call this the “sandwich generation” and if you’re living it, you already know the feeling.
The families who navigate this season best are the ones who plan through it, not around it. That starts with two conversations: one with your parents and one with yourself.
Helping Your Parents Get Their Plan in Order
The first step is often the hardest: asking your parents whether they have an estate plan. Many adult children assume their parents took care of this years ago. In my experience, that assumption is wrong more often than it’s right.
If your parents don’t have a plan, or if it hasn’t been reviewed in over a decade, the most critical documents to address are a will, a financial power of attorney, an advance directive for healthcare, and a HIPAA authorization. Together, these give you the legal authority to step in when your parents can’t manage things on their own. Without them, you may find yourself locked out of their financial accounts and medical records at precisely the moment you need access most.
It’s also worth having a candid conversation about the cost of long-term care. Medicare and standard health insurance cover far less than most people realize. If your parents carry long-term care insurance, know where the policy is and what it covers. If they don’t, talk about how those expenses will be managed. And if you end up contributing financially, pay healthcare providers directly rather than giving money to your parents. Under current tax law, direct payments to medical providers are not considered taxable gifts, regardless of the amount.
Your Own Plan Can’t Wait
This is where I see the biggest gap. Sandwich generation clients invest so much energy getting their parents’ affairs organized that they never address their own and the math is unforgiving. If something happens to you while you’re the one holding everything together, the people who depend on you most are the ones left scrambling.
At minimum, you need a will, financial powers of attorney, and an advance directive for health care. If you have minor children, naming guardians isn’t optional. If you don’t make that decision yourself, a probate court will make it for you. Beyond the documents, take an honest look at your financial position: life insurance, retirement contributions, and how much exposure your family carries if the primary earner is suddenly out of the picture.
For some families, a revocable trust is a stronger foundation than a will alone. A trust lets you provide for multiple generations (i.e., parents, spouse, and children) without routing everything through probate, and it lets you build in protections like staggered distributions for children or designated provisions for a parent who needs ongoing support.
Plan Now, Worry Less Later
Being caught in the middle is exhausting. But the families who come through it with the least stress are the ones who took action early. Start with your parents’ plan, then take care of your own, and revisit both regularly.
How Edwards Law Can Help
At Edwards Law, we work with Atlanta families navigating exactly this situation. Whether you need to get your parents’ documents in order, create your own estate plan, or develop a multigenerational strategy, we make the process clear, personal, and straightforward.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
by BarryThe Role of Surveys in Residential and Commercial Closings
Before purchasing residential or commercial property, a land survey ensures you fully understand what you’re buying.
Why Land Surveys Matter
- Confirm Boundary Lines – Prevents future disputes with neighbors.
- Identify Easements & Encroachments – Ensures no legal conflicts exist.
- Assess Zoning Compliance – Verifies property use aligns with local regulations.
Types of Surveys & When to Use Them
- Boundary Surveys – Ideal for homebuyers confirming property lines.
- ALTA/NSPS Surveys – Recommended for commercial real estate transactions.
- Topographic Surveys – Used for development projects requiring elevation details.
How to Avoid Survey-Related Delays
- Order a survey early to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Work with a trusted surveyor who specializes in Georgia real estate.
- Review the survey findings with a real estate attorney to address any red flags.
How Edwards Law Can Help
At Edwards Law, we review surveys, resolve disputes, and ensure a smooth closing process. Need expert guidance? Contact us today to discuss your property survey needs.