Seasoned, general estate planning guidance financial advisors
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
You need a general estate planning advisor when you're organizing your assets to protect your family and ensure your wishes are followed after you pass. A common mistake is overlooking how different documents and plans work together, which can cause confusion or unintended consequences.
- Comprehensive document review. Confirm they evaluate wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives as a coordinated plan, not isolated papers.
- Asset transfer insight. Ask how they handle passing assets to heirs while minimizing probate delays and costs.
- Tax implications awareness. Ensure they consider estate and inheritance taxes that could affect your beneficiaries.
- Experience with complex situations. Look for advisors who can navigate blended families, business interests, or special needs planning thoughtfully.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Scott M
Series 63, Series 65
New York, NY
Morgan Stanley
Scott Mahoney's 34 years of experience and focus on general estate planning guidance equip him to help organize assets and coordinate estate documents effectively. As a seasoned advisor at Morgan Stanley, a large firm offering extensive advisory programs and financial planning services, he provides access to structured planning tools and broad investment resources, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with less comprehensive support.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $670,481
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Gary C
Series 63
St. Augustine, FL
Mass Mutual Investors Services
Gary Conicella's 34 years of experience and expertise in general estate planning guidance, multi-generational wealth transfer, and divorce financial planning equip him to handle complex estate planning needs effectively. Operating from MassMutual Investors Services, a large firm offering collaborative annual financial planning and estate settlement programs, he brings a comprehensive approach that includes cash flow management and serves diverse client types such as business owners and trusts.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $249,379
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Thaddeus P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
Advance Wealth Management Service, LLC
Thaddeus Phelps offers seasoned expertise in general estate planning guidance, supported by 28 years in financial services and CFP® certification. His firm provides individualized investment management with risk strategies like put options, catering to high-net-worth clients and trusts. Compared to others, Phelps' flat-fee and negotiable monthly planning options, plus his fiduciary experience as trustee and executor, provide flexible and comprehensive support for complex estate planning needs.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $463,417
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Austin N
Series 63, Series 66
Oskaloosa, IA
Edward Jones
Austin Norris offers expertise in general estate planning guidance, supported by 21 years of experience and a focus on business ownership considerations, which is valuable for clients with complex asset structures. Based in Oskaloosa, IA, he works with Edward Jones, a large full-service firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, providing access to diverse advisory programs and a fiduciary standard, with fees up to 1.35% annually.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Edward B
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Garden City, NY
Merrill
Edward Blatz offers extensive expertise in general estate planning guidance, leveraging over 40 years of experience at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management to coordinate wills, trusts, and powers of attorney as a unified strategy. His focus on high net-worth families and closely-held businesses, combined with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishes him through a comprehensive, collaborative approach involving tax advisors and estate attorneys.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $860,085
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