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BarJournal WOMEN IN LAW

JULY/AUGUST 2015
feaTure estate planning for the “sandwich

generation” — Where to start

BY CHRISTINA M. BuSHNELL & DAWN E. MCFADDEN

e hear about terms at both ends. The number of Americans who are her 80 year old mother, Carol, since her father
such as “the Boomer part of the Sandwich Generation is astounding. passed away last year. She just helped her 18
Generation,” “Generation According to a Pew Research Center study nearly year old daughter, Emily, move away to college,
X,” and “Millennials.” half of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent and has an eleven year old autistic son, Tommy.
WAnother term that cuts who is 65 or older and are raising a child under 18 She and her husband, John, are just trying get
across all of these age groups is the “Sandwich or are financially supporting a grown child (age through the day and have not had a chance to
Generation.” The members of this group are 18 or older). Kim Parker & Eileen Patten, The do their own estate planning. Not surprisingly,
largely middle-aged and what defines them Sandwich Generation: Rising Financial Burdens Susan is overwhelmed and does not know where
is simultaneously having both aging parents for Middle Aged Americans, Pew Research Social to start. We will talk about some of the specific
that they help care for and while they are still and Demographic Trends, January 30, 2013. things that Susan should think about doing now
raising or providing for their own children. Adult caregivers of loved ones often put their to help with possible ongoing daily concerns
These multigenerational responsibilities can own wellbeing aside, risking their own health, while also planning for the future.
have social, financial and emotional challenges, retirement savings, and career interests. First, let’s look at Susan’s mother. Carol is
with Sandwich Generation members finding Imagine Susan, a 50 year old attorney who, in 80, but fortunately is still competent and has
themselves far beyond merely burning the candle addition to working full time, has been helping capacity to conduct planning. Susan should have

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