Top inheritance planning 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 an inheritance planning advisor when you're facing the transfer of assets after a loved one's passing or preparing your estate to minimize taxes and disputes. Without focused expertise, advisors might overlook complex tax rules or family dynamics, leading to costly mistakes or conflicts.
- Tax implications insight. Confirm they understand estate, gift, and inheritance taxes that can affect your net legacy.
- Family communication skills. Ask how they help navigate sensitive conversations to prevent misunderstandings among heirs.
- Asset transfer strategies. Look for advisors who consider trusts, beneficiary designations, and timing to optimize your inheritance plan.
- Coordination with legal professionals. Ensure they work closely with estate attorneys to align financial and legal plans effectively.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Sean A
Series 66
Boulder, CO
Edward Jones
Sean Alexander specializes in inheritance planning and business succession, making him well-equipped to handle complex asset transfers and family dynamics involved in inheritance. Operating from Edward Jones, a large firm with over four million clients, he offers a comprehensive approach supported by a nationwide network, with fees up to 1.35% annually, which may differ from smaller firms or independent advisors in the US.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
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Steve S
VerifiedCFP®
Eldersburg, MD
ABEL Financial Management Co.
Steve Stern specializes in inheritance planning with 12 years of experience and a CFP® certification, serving high-net-worth clients in Eldersburg, MD. His firm emphasizes proactive, organized financial planning and acts as accountability partners, blending financial advice with client support, which distinguishes him from others by focusing on both strategy and client relationships.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $1,375,594
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Scott M
Series 63, Series 65
Incline Village, NV
Merrill
Scott Macdonald's expertise in inheritance planning is enhanced by his deep experience with trust structures and elder care planning, making him well-equipped to handle complex estate transfers and tax considerations. As a seasoned advisor at Merrill, a large firm, he offers a 1.10% AUM fee structure and specializes in serving mid-career professionals and high earners, distinguishing him with a focus on special needs trusts and close collaboration with legal professionals.
Experience: 39 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Clayton D
Series 65
Sonoma, CA
Sonoma Wealth Advisors
Clayton Dunkle specializes in inheritance planning and business succession, making him well-equipped to handle complex asset transfers and tax implications for clients in the US. Operating from Sonoma, CA, he offers flat-fee financial planning starting at $5,000 and serves individuals and small businesses, distinguishing himself with a Series 65 designation and experience in retirement plans and equity compensation.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $244,427
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Maris G
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Seattle, WA
Mg Financial, Inc.
Maris Galins specializes in inheritance planning with 24 years of experience and CFP® certification, offering expertise in navigating complex estate and tax issues. Operating independently in Seattle, WA, Galins provides flat-fee financial planning starting at $2,900 and focuses on personalized, non-discretionary asset allocation using SEI model portfolios, distinguishing her approach from advisors who manage portfolios directly.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $1,051,042
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