How to Approach Your Family by Rich Merk

Maine Woodland Owners is committed to helping small woodland owners develop succession plans so they can know their life’s work will be passed to someone who will continue their stewardship efforts. Here’s another topic to stimulate landowner efforts to develop and improve their plans.

Once you and your spouse have decided what you want to do with your woodlands, it is time to talk to your family or other potential heirs. Initially, you should talk to the various people personally and one at a time.

Let them know what you have in mind and ask them to agree to meet with you and the other heirs in person and in a neutral setting to discuss your plans. Tell them you will want their thoughts about your plans and let them know it is OK to talk openly about your eventual death. Prepare them for a family meeting so that you all may openly express ideas and wishes with common respect. Ask them to be open to ideas other heirs may offer.

If a family meeting is held, let your children know this is a family matter and should only involve direct family members (no spouses). Let them know you want to involve them, but this is your land and your wishes, and you reserve the right to any final decisions. Let them know you intend to try to treat all heirs equitably, assuming you intend to.

Then ask when they might be able to meet and set a date for the whole family to get together, both socially and for the succession planning meeting.