Canadians understand the importance of talking to family members about their estate plan, according to a study released by the BMO Wealth Institute on Wednesday, but when it comes to the details they could still use a little help.

According to the study, called “What are you leaving behind: Family conflict or memorable legacy?,” 54% of Canadians believe that not having early and ongoing estate planning conversations with family members is the leading risk of their being conflict after a loved one’s death.

As such, most Canadians are raising the topic of estate plans. Eighty-two per cent of Canadians with a child over the age of 40 have had at least one conversation with an adult child about their plans, says BMO. Furthermore, 64% of adult children with parents over the age of 60 have had a conversation about their parents’ wishes.

However, while most Canadians have started a discussion on estate plans only one-third described those conversations as detailed. As such, advisors should encourage clients to talk with their family members and give some direction as to what the conversation should cover, according to Chris Buttigieg, senior manager, wealth planning strategy, BMO Financial Group.

“The conversation is a lot more detailed than just saying, ‘I’ve done my will and I’ve done my power of attorney and everything is looked after.’ And that’s it, the conversation ends there,” says Buttigieg.

Topics Buttigieg suggests clients should raise with family members include: how the client’s assets will be distributed; who has been designated executor; who has been made power of attorney and why.

“When the conversation is had amongst family members and there’s that open communication,” he says, “it’s a great opportunity to leave peace, clarity and order for the family when the time comes for that estate to be administered and distributed.”

Advisors can offer to be part of the conversation and act as facilitators if they feel comfortable doing so, says Buttigieg. Or, advisors can provide other resources from their firms to help clients tackle the topic.