When a Client’s Capacity Is in Question: Managing a Financial Crisis in Real Time

There are calls advisors hope they never receive—but increasingly, they are becoming part of the landscape of wealth management. A family member, often a spouse or adult child, contacts you urgently. They are concerned that the client can no longer manage their finances, is making unclear or inconsistent decisions, or is giving instructions that seem […]

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Protecting the Portfolio and the Person:Five Critical Moves After a Client Is Diagnosed with Dementia

A dementia diagnosis changes the nature of the advisory relationship. Before a diagnosis, the focus may be on recognizing subtle changes and cautiously responding. After a diagnosis, it shifts to managing risk, supporting the client, and putting protective structures in place while the client can still participate in decisions. A diagnosis does not mean that […]

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Too Late to Plan: Navigating Legal and Financial Barriers After Dementia Progresses

Looking back, it often feels clearer. The signs were there—missed appointments, repeated questions, small but noticeable changes. You were paying attention; you just thought there would be more time. The situation has now changed. If your loved one’s cognitive decline has progressed to the point where they may no longer understand or sign legal documents, […]

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A Dementia Diagnosis Changes More Than Healthcare:Seven Legal Moves to Make While You Still Can

With dementia cases in the United States estimated to double by 2060—and roughly 42 percent of Americans over age 55 at risk of developing dementia according to recent research[1]—a diagnosis is something that more and more families will face. The statistics are sobering in the abstract. They feel different when they become personal. When early […]

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Planning Around Clutter: Tools Advisors Can Use Without Overstepping

People often accumulate personal belongings over time, from everyday items to sentimental keepsakes. While these possessions may seem harmless, they can complicate estate planning, slow administration, and create difficult decisions for heirs if not proactively addressed.  Advisors do not need to tackle these issues alone or impose drastic changes on clients. Instead, they can provide […]

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The Fiduciary Fallout of Household Accumulation

Many clients have accumulated belongings over decades, from everyday items to family heirlooms, which can create significant challenges for their heirs and fiduciaries. What may feel manageable during a client’s lifetime can become complex and time-consuming after they pass.  When a home contains a large volume of personal property, organizing and distributing items can create […]

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