Beyond Basic Estate Planning
Legacy and wealth planning goes beyond simply deciding who gets what when you die. It is about defining what you want your wealth to accomplish, how you want to be remembered, and what values you want to pass on to the next generation.
For families with substantial assets, a comprehensive wealth plan addresses not just the transfer of wealth, but also its protection, growth, and the governance structures that will guide future generations in managing what you have built.
Core Components of a Legacy Plan
Multi-Generational Trusts
Dynasty trusts and generation-skipping trusts preserve wealth across multiple generations while minimizing estate taxes at each transfer.
Business Succession Planning
Ensure your business survives and thrives after you step away. We help structure buy-sell agreements, family business transitions, and management succession plans.
Asset Protection
Protect your wealth from potential creditors, lawsuits, and divorce through properly structured trusts, LLCs, and other legal vehicles.
Charitable Legacy
Establish a private foundation, donor-advised fund, or charitable trust to support the causes that matter to you and create a lasting philanthropic legacy.
Family Governance
Create family mission statements, investment policies, and governance structures that guide future generations in managing and growing inherited wealth.
Life Insurance Planning
Use life insurance strategically within your estate plan to provide liquidity for estate taxes, equalize inheritances among heirs, and fund buy-sell agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between estate planning and legacy planning?
Estate planning focuses on the legal transfer of assets at death. Legacy planning is broader and includes values, family governance, charitable goals, and the impact you want to have beyond your lifetime.
Do I need a lot of money to benefit from legacy planning?
No. Legacy planning is valuable for anyone who wants to be intentional about how their wealth is used and what they leave behind. It is not just for the ultra-wealthy.
How do I protect my assets from my children's divorces?
Properly structured trusts with spendthrift provisions can protect inherited assets from a beneficiary's creditors and divorce proceedings. We can design trusts that provide for your children while protecting the assets from outside claims.
What is a family limited partnership?
A family limited partnership (FLP) allows you to transfer business or investment assets to family members at a discounted value while retaining management control. FLPs can be effective tools for reducing estate taxes and transferring wealth to the next generation.
How do I start the legacy planning process?
The first step is a comprehensive review of your current assets, family situation, and goals. We then work with you to develop a plan that addresses your specific objectives and coordinates with your financial advisors and accountants.