A sudden loss, a child with special needs, and a $3.4M estate

When her husband passed away in 2020, our client was suddenly responsible for navigating life alone, while also caring for her adult son with special needs.

The situation was more complicated than it first appeared. Key accounts had outdated beneficiary designations, creating delays and legal hurdles. Her late husband’s portfolio lacked structure, adding another layer of uncertainty. At the same time, she needed to make long-term decisions about her son’s care, housing, and long-term estate plan.

Without clear directions, she risked costly delays, missed planning opportunities, and decisions made under pressure during an already overwhelming time. 

Slowing down to create clarity 

Her team intentionally moved at a pace aligned with her emotional bandwidth. Rather than rushing decisions, they focused on explaining each step in detail, giving her time and space to understand what was happening and why. This way, she could move forward with confidence. 

Resolving beneficiary and estate complications 

Outdated beneficiary designations on retirement accounts required a multi-step legal and administrative process. The team coordinated the transfer of assets through an estate account, helping streamline what could have been a prolonged and confusing process. 

Building a coordinated estate strategy 

Working alongside an estate attorney, the team helped design a plan that addressed both immediate needs and long-term priorities, including how to structure assets to support her son while maintaining flexibility for her own future. 

Planning for long-term care and housing stability 

A key priority was ensuring her son could remain in the family home if something happened to her. This required careful coordination, including exploring trust structures and identifying individuals or professionals who could help manage the property over time. 

Structuring cash flow and investment strategy 

The team organized a previously unstructured portfolio and developed a clear cash flow plan. This helped the client better understand her financial position and make informed decisions about her future with greater confidence. 

This client came to us during a challenging time in life; she felt lost. Many people are simply looking to enhance their plan, or get a second opinion. But with this client, she needed guidance in building a structured financial plan, basically from scratch.

– Wealth Enhancement Advisor 

Today, the client has a coordinated financial strategy designed to evolve with her family’s needs.

She has greater clarity around her finances, a structured plan for her son’s future, and a trusted team to guide ongoing decisions, including complex family property planning with siblings.

Most importantly, she can move forward knowing her plan reflects both her financial realities and her responsibilities as a caregiver.