Vanilla

Feb 10, 2026

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10 Essential Estate Planning Tips for Financial Advisors

According to Spectrem Group research, 93% of people want estate planning services from their financial advisor but only 22% are actually getting that advice. That’s a massive gap between client expectations and reality; one that presents a compelling opportunity for the advisors willing to close it.

Estate planning can deepen client relationships and lock in loyalty for multiple generations. When you help someone think through what happens to their wealth after they’re gone, you’re talking about family, values, and legacy, a fundamentally different conversation than the quarterly portfolio review.

Most advisors already know estate planning is a critical part of holistic financial planning, but haven’t figured out how to deliver it consistently. Follow these 10 tips to incorporate estate planning more effectively into your practice: 

1. Make estate planning part of your service offering

Rather than an optional add-on, treat estate planning as an integral element of your financial planning services. Many of your clients likely already assume you can help with their estate plan; if you don’t, they may feel underserved and start looking elsewhere.

Bring estate planning up proactively. Make it part of your onboarding process to immediately show clients you’re thinking about their whole financial picture, not just their portfolio. Position yourself as a holistic wealth steward who handles investments, retirement, and estate planning under one roof, acting as their single source of truth for all financial decisions. 

2. Educate your clients about their estate plan

Many people find estate planning intimidating. The required documents and process itself can feel overwhelming, and as your clients’ wealth grows, so too does the complexity of their estate plan. You can build trust immediately by simplifying tough-to-understand concepts and guiding them through difficult decisions.

Host workshops on estate planning basics, share easy-to-read guides that explain common strategies in plain language, and answer questions patiently. When you can, provide visuals to help further your explanations.

Our comprehensive guide helps you clearly and confidently communicate the value of estate planning with clients; download it here 

3. Personalize estate planning according to client goals

You wouldn’t recommend the same financial plan to all of your clients; apply the same principle to estate planning. Take time to understand what matters most to each client, and tailor your service to match their specific wishes and family dynamics. 

When clients see their personal values reflected in your work together, they become more emotionally invested in both the plan itself and their relationship with you. Estate planning software like Vanilla enables you to record personal details and ensure every recommendation aligns with what the client truly cares about.

4. Collaborate with estate planning attorneys and other professionals

As an advisor, you need to take care to stay away from Unauthorized Practice of Law, or UPL, as you integrate estate planning into your practice. You should never draft legal documents, but you can provide significant value by facilitating introductions between your clients and vetted estate attorneys, inviting them to complete self-guided foundational estate plans, or collaborating with their existing attorney if they’re already working with one.

Coordinate with the attorney to articulate the client’s financial picture, and stay involved as the quarterback of the process so your client doesn’t feel handed off. Orchestrating the process demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive service and builds trust with clients.

5. Schedule regular estate plan reviews and updates

Like financial plans, estate plans aren’t set-and-forget documents. When life changes or regulations shift, estate plans need to be updated accordingly. Set a cadence for regular reviews, as well as ad hoc updates after major milestones.

Regular reviews open the door for ongoing conversations that deepen relationships. Advisors using modern estate planning software like Vanilla can set reminders to prompt updates, making the process seamless for everyone involved.

6. Engage the next generation in the planning process

Studies suggest that 80% or more of heirs will look for a new financial advisor after inheriting their parents’ wealth. You can prevent this by building relationships with your clients’ families now.

With client consent, hold family meetings or include adult children in estate planning discussions. When you demonstrate care for the entire family’s future, you earn trust across generations.

These conversations not only give your current clients comfort that their family will be in good hands, but they also create opportunities to retain assets under management when wealth transfers occur. 

7. Use modern estate planning software to scale effectively

Estate planning has historically been reserved for the ultra-wealthy because of its complexity and time-intensive nature. But technology like Vanilla has transformed the experience, making it accessible across the wealth spectrum. Vanilla simplifies document creation, runs complex calculations, and empowers you to show clients dynamic, visual representations of their plans.

Clients appreciate the professionalism and efficiency of cutting-edge tools. Modern technology also frees up your time, allowing you to focus on client relationships. 

8. Bring plans to life visually

Estate planning concepts often feel abstract, which is in part why clients may find it intimidating. Ground them in a visual experience that makes their estate plan engaging and easier to grasp. Charts, diagrams, and intuitive reports transform complex estate structures into clear, understandable plans.

When clients better understand their plan, they feel more confident and involved. Modern, interactive experiences strengthen loyalty by giving clients peace of mind and a sense of control.

9. Give clients 24/7 access to their documents

Today’s clients expect to be able to get to their important documents electronically. A secure client portal or digital vault lets them review wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations anytime, from anywhere.

Make sure the platform offers robust security; your clients need to know their sensitive information is protected. Vanilla uses AES-256 encryption and is SOC 2 Type II compliant, which gives clients peace of mind.

10. Be proactive with emerging technology

AI tools can analyze documents and surface planning opportunities automatically. Adopting these solutions helps you be more proactive, enabling you to reach out with new insights or questions.

For example, Vanilla’s V/AI Co-Pilot can identify that a client’s trust could be updated for a tax law change, or suggest an estate strategy simulation for a high-net-worth client. Catching these opportunities translates into consistent value beyond routine service and reinforces the idea that you’re always looking out for your clients. AI serves as an assistant that augments your service without replacing the personal touch clients value.

Turn estate planning into your competitive advantage

Each of these tips will help you more effectively integrate estate planning into your core service offering, enabling you to create a better client experience as a true wealth steward. But you don’t have to start all at once. Begin by evaluating estate planning software that can augment your existing knowledge and help you scale service delivery across your client base.

Vanilla helps advisors deliver estate planning that drives retention, engagement, and growth. Take a closer look at our platform, or request your personalized demo by clicking here.

The information provided here does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. It is provided for general informational purposes only. This information may not be updated or reflect changes in law. Please consult with an estate attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional who can advise as to your particular situation.