There is, however, one type of treasure that can cause all sorts of problems for both clients and advisors: a family’s cherished items. As Karen DeMasters discovered, family heirlooms with little or no monetary value—her story notes the long, drawn-out court battle over Robin Williams’ tuxedo—are often at the center of some of the most contentious family estate conflicts.
There’s little advisors can do once brothers and sisters go to war over mom’s favorite necklace. But they can avoid such situations years ahead of time by sniffing out potential issues during the estate planning process.
Once again, it’s about what advisors do best: help clients take the necessary steps to mitigate the risks of an uncertain future.