Trusted Advisor Huddles: Why Your Attorney, CPA, and Financial Planner Should Talk to Each Other
When it comes to protecting your legacy, planning for retirement, or ensuring the smooth transfer of wealth to future generations, having a team of trusted advisors isn't just helpful—it’s essential. But having those professionals—your attorney, CPA, and financial planner—working in silos can lead to missed opportunities, conflicting strategies, and unnecessary stress.
That’s where the concept of a “Trusted Advisor Huddle” comes in.
What Is a Trusted Advisor Huddle?
A Trusted Advisor Huddle is exactly what it sounds like: your core financial, legal, and tax professionals coming together to collaborate on your behalf. Instead of passing documents back and forth or giving you contradictory advice, they meet (virtually or in person) to align strategies and address your needs from all angles.
Why This Matters
Your financial future is interconnected. Estate plans affect taxes. Investment strategies impact long-term care decisions. Business succession touches on every area of your financial and legal life.
Here are a few key benefits of aligned advisor communication:
1. Holistic, Efficient Planning
When your professionals communicate directly, they can build a cohesive plan tailored to your full picture. Your attorney might identify estate planning opportunities that require input from your CPA. Your financial planner may suggest investment shifts that impact trust structures. Working together, they can ensure no part of your plan exists in a vacuum.
2. Avoiding Conflicts and Gaps
Conflicting advice or incomplete information can lead to unintended tax consequences or legal complications. For example, your CPA might be preparing your tax return based on assumptions that don't match your estate plan, or your financial planner might be unaware of healthcare directives that influence beneficiary designations. Huddles help avoid these pitfalls.
3. Better Response During Life Transitions or Emergencies
Life happens fast. When a health crisis, business sale, or family change arises, having a connected team already in sync can save valuable time and avoid scrambling to gather documents or advice. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your advisors are already familiar with your goals—and with each other.
4. More Confidence, Less Stress
You don’t have to serve as the go-between or second-guess whether everyone is “on the same page.” You can feel confident that your advisory team is acting in harmony to serve your best interests.
How to Start the Conversation
If your attorney, CPA, and financial advisor haven’t met, it’s never too late to introduce them. Many clients find value in organizing a “huddle” to review their estate plan, tax strategies, and financial outlook together. These meetings don’t have to be frequent—but even once a year can make a significant difference in clarity and alignment.
At our office, we’re proud to coordinate with your other trusted professionals to ensure your wishes are carried out with clarity and care.
DISCLAIMER: The content contained herein is for general informational purposes only. These materials do not constitute legal or other professional advice. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance on this information. No reader should act or refrain from acting based on information contained in this article without seeking advice of counsel.