Estate Planning
Coordination
in the Greater Houston Area
Monte began helping families in the Greater Houston Area with estate planning in the late '80s.
We help clients align their financial life with their estate planning.
Additionally, we coordinate with estate attorneys and other professionals to ensure their plans properly reflect their wishes.
What Is Estate Planning
Coordination?
Your estate planning should support your long-term planning goals.
Estate tax limits were far lower in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
A large part of our early practice involved designing strategies for high-net-worth families navigating those lower estate tax thresholds.
That experience shapes the way we think about
estate planning today.
We start with a candid conversation about the client’s desires, family situation, and potential charitable intentions.
We then review existing documents to identify gaps. Finally, we use special tools built for advisors to take a closer look at estate planning documents.
If a client doesn’t currently have an estate planning attorney, we’ll recommend trusted attorneys we’ve worked with in the past.
We’re happy to sit in on any meetings the client has with the estate planning attorneys to help inform the conversation.
Helping Families Plan Across Generations
Long-Term Family
Relationships
In many cases, we’ve worked with families for decades.
That long-term relationship often gives us a valuable perspective during major life changes.
Planning During Life Transitions
When health changes or family dynamics evolve, estate planning conversations can become difficult.
We have served as a trusted third-party advisor, helping families navigate
Multi-Generational Wealth
Conversations
Estate planning is personal and involves
your vision for your family, giving charitably, and passing on your values to the next generation.
If you have not examined your estate plan in light of these goals, take the opportunity to put your intentions in writing before it is too late.
Coordinating With Estate Attorneys
If you would like us to work with your estate planning attorney, we can:
• Participate in meetings.
• Provide financial summaries.
• Review draft documents.
• Helping coordinate conversations.
If you do not currently have an estate attorney, we are happy to refer you to professionals that our clients have had positive experiences working with in the past.
Why Estate Planning Matters
When estate planning is not properly coordinated, unintended beneficiaries and unfortunate tax consequences can result.
A few instances where it may make sense to revisit your estate plan include:
• You are 50+ and have not reviewed your documents in several years.
• Your children have become adults.
• You are getting married, particularly in second-marriage situations with blended families.
• You are approaching or entering retirement.
• A loved one with special needs is part of your planning considerations.
• Your financial situation or business ownership has changed significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your financial plan, estate documents, beneficiary designations, and long-term vision should all work together. Estate planning coordination is how we make that happen.
Yes. Estate attorneys handle legal documents, while a financial advisor helps ensure those documents align with your long-term goals.
Reviewing your estate plan every few years is a best practice. Major life events such as marriage, retirement, business changes, or the birth of children or grandchildren can serve as good milestones to revisit your plan.
Unintended outcomes, including beneficiary mistakes, tax inefficiencies, or unfortunate family conflicts.