Every Family Has Its “Kitchen Table Conversations”

It always begins with chai, laughter, and light memories… and then drifts into the questions no one really wants to ask.

“What happens to all this when we’re gone?”

For business families, this question carries even more weight. Parents know the blood, sweat, and risks it took to build wealth—but they quietly wonder:

“Will my children carry the same commitment? Or will what I built one day be divided?”

More Than Just a Will

Most people assume that writing a Will is the beginning and end of estate planning.

But the truth is:

• A Will can be misunderstood.
• It can be delayed in court.
• Sometimes, it can even create conflict instead of resolve it.

Yes, a Will is necessary.
But families need more than just one piece of paper to protect harmony.

A Story from Experience

I once met a father who had built three beautiful properties over his lifetime. When he passed, he left them equally to his children.

The children loved each other deeply. But soon came the questions—

• Who gets which property?
• Should we sell?
• Should we buy each other out?

The warmth at the dining table turned into tense silence.

That’s when I realized:

Estate planning is not about assets. It is about protecting relationships.

Trusts: A Guiding Hand

One option many families now turn to is a Trust.

Think of a Trust as a guardian of your wishes. It ensures that assets are managed and distributed the way you intended—even when you’re not there to explain.

And here’s the truth—
You don’t need to be ultra-wealthy to set one up.
It’s simply a way to ensure love flows forward without unnecessary tension.

The Hidden Hurdle: Cash vs. Assets

Imagine this:

A father leaves behind one large property to two children.

• One wants to keep it.
• The other needs their share in cash.

What happens next? Sell the property? Or does one buy the other out?
And if yes—where does that money come from?

This is where estates stumble. They are often asset-rich but cash-poor.
Families are then forced into “fire sales”—selling prized properties quickly, often below value—just to create cash.

A Kinder Way Forward

The good news? Families today have options.

With the right planning, liquidity can be created within the estate. That way:

• Taxes and debts are covered smoothly.
• No one is forced to sell cherished properties.
• And most importantly—siblings remain siblings, not rivals.

The Heart of the Matter

Estate planning isn’t really about money.

It’s about people. About love, continuity, and leaving behind not just assets—but harmony.

So the real questions are:

• How do I want my family to use what I’ve built?
• What values should guide them?
• And have I created enough peace of mind for them to thrive together?

Because in the end…

It’s not about dividing an estate.
It’s about multiplying love.

👉 Have you had your “kitchen table conversation” yet?

Dr. Sandeep N. Setty