At the Estate Planning Law Center, we believe estate planning isnโt just about preparing for what happens after you’re goneโitโs about making confident, coordinated decisions during your lifetime that protect your family, simplify your estate, and secure your legacy.
Thatโs why financial planning and estate planning go hand in hand.
To make your estate plan truly work, you need the right teamโand that often includes a financial advisor who can partner with us to align your investments, retirement strategies, tax goals, and long-term wishes. But with over 300,000 financial advisors in the U.S., how do you choose the right one?
Hereโs what to look for when building a financial team that supports your estate planning goalsโand helps you stay in control of what youโve worked so hard to build.
- Do They Offer Services That Support Your Estate Plan?
Not every financial advisor has the tools to integrate with your estate planning strategy. If you want to simplify your estate, minimize taxes, and protect your legacy, you need someone who provides:
- Retirement and investment planning
โข Tax minimization strategies
โข Charitable giving and legacy planning
โข Business succession guidance
โข Multigenerational wealth transfer
We work best with advisors who understand that financial decisions today affect estate outcomes tomorrow. When your financial and legal professionals work together, everything just runs smoother.
- Are They a Fiduciary?
Your advisor should be legally and ethically bound to act in your best interests. This is especially important when your estate plan includes long-term strategies for your spouse, adult children, or beneficiaries with special needs.
Ask this question early, and get the answer in writing.
- How Do They Charge?
Transparency matters. Whether the advisor charges a flat fee, a percentage of your assets, or works on commission, you should understand exactly how theyโre compensated. This helps you evaluate whether their advice is truly objective and whether you’re receiving value in return.
- What Is Their Investment Philosophy?
Thereโs no one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to investing or planning. Look for someone who wants to know your goals, family dynamics, risk tolerance, and values. The right advisor will create a plan that complements your estate strategy.
For example, if your estate plan includes trusts for your children or plans for charitable gifts, your financial advisor should be able to support those objectives, not work against them.
- What Are Their Credentials?
Certifications matter. Look for designations like:
- CFPยฎ (Certified Financial Planner)
โข CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
โข CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
And take the extra step: use FINRAโs BrokerCheck or the SECโs Advisor Public Disclosure site to confirm their record is clean.
- Do They Stay in Touch?
Life changesโand so should your plan. You want a financial advisor who checks in regularly, keeps your goals front and center, and adjusts your strategy when things change.
At the Estate Planning Law Center, we offer ongoing estate plan maintenance through our client programs, and we encourage your advisor to be part of that process. Estate and financial planning both require ongoing attention to work well.
- Do They Collaborate with Other Professionals?
This oneโs non-negotiable.
Your financial advisor should welcome collaboration with your estate planning attorney, CPA, and any other professionals you trust. A coordinated team avoids unnecessary taxes, court delays, and family confusion. It helps ensure your spouse, adult children, or other Helpers arenโt left scrambling when the time comes to settle your estate.
At the Estate Planning Law Center, we love working with advisors who understand how valuable true teamwork can beโfor you and for the people you leave behind.
Why This Matters
A good financial advisor helps you build wealth. A great one helps you protect it and pass it on the right way.
Weโve seen firsthand how disorganized or conflicting advice can lead to higher taxes, probate delays, and legal battles between family members. But when your plan is coordinated, you get peace of mind knowing everything is alignedโfrom your investments to your estate documents to your long-term goals.
We Can Help You Build the Right Team
If you’re starting your estate plan or thinking about updating it, itโs a perfect time to make sure your financial team is the right fit. And if you donโt have a financial advisor yetโor arenโt sure if the one you have is the right matchโwe can help.
We regularly work with trusted local professionals who value client relationships, communicate clearly, and understand how to integrate your finances and your estate plan.
Register for a workshop and letโs get your team working together.
