In the past, I have encountered clients who ask for an RIA compliance consultation because an Advisor’s client has passed away. The first question is what do I do immediately? It is important to refer back to the engagement letter you have with the client as, often, this document will help give you guidance on your next steps. Next, provided the client has prepared an estate plan and you have been involved in the planning process, reaching out to the client’s attorney would be the next logical step. Following with this same thought process, I recently came across an excellent article prepared by WealthCounsel titled Revocable Trusts May be the Solution to your Client’s Needs. This piece addresses the positive aspects of estate planning for your advisory clients while also allowing you, as the investment advisor, to help your client think through a seamless transition of their assets to meet their ultimate goals. As you work with your clients, address the important need for estate planning so that they may have comfort in knowing their assets will be disposed of in the way in which they want. I encourage you to read this article.