Family businesses often take on various functions on behalf of individual family members, including bill paying, household management, investment management, oversight of insurance procurement, and tax and legal matters.

In today's world, with state tax rates varying widely, more individuals and families are considering moves out of high-tax states. For example, California's highest income tax rate is currently 13.3%.

When you were 10, your brother helped you budget your allowance to afford a bike. When you were 20, your sister helped you secure an internship in your career field. So naturally, either would be a great choice as a trustee for your estate, right? 

Whether you have a summer beach house or a portfolio of commercial real estate, choosing the right trustee is key to ensuring real estate investments are effectively managed.

When it comes to estate planning, not having a plan is a plan. But not a good one.

A common misconception is that people with significant wealth spend their time as they please. But high-net-worth families rarely have as much free time as people believe.

While most financial institutions provide expertise around money matters, few can provide the completely personal services of a family office—much less help someone with a longing for a llama.

Here’s an incentive to move estate planning to the top of your to-do list: The next few years are an opportunity to maximize wealth transfer to the next generation.