Estate & legacy planning
Estate and legacy planning covers the coordination of wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, lifetime gifting, generation-skipping and dynasty planning, and the implementation work that sits between the attorney's documents and the household balance sheet. Advisors listed here coordinate closely with trusts-and-estates counsel and carry the plan forward through life events.
By the numbers
The Wellspent public graph lists 6,173 fee-only financial advisors focused on estate & legacy planning at 2,325 firms, most in Houston, San Diego and Austin. 44% hold the CFP certification. Of the 6162 with fees on file, 91% charge percentage of assets.
- Advisors listed
- 6,173
- Firms
- 2,325
- Cities
- 1,184
- Hold the CFP
- 44%
- Other credentials: CFA 9% · CPA 2% · EA 1%
- How they charge (of 6162 with fees on file): percentage of assets 91% · fixed fees 54% · hourly 44% · ongoing planning fee 12%
Source: Wellspent public graph, data as of . Shares are of advisors listed here; an advisor can hold several credentials or fee types. Methodology
Advisors with depth in estate & legacy planning
| Advisor | Firm | City | Credentials | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Faber Collaborative, do-it-with-you hourly or flat-fee planning for people who want to stay in control, with no product sales or ongoing fees. | DIWY Financial Planning | Los Angeles | CFP, ChFC, CLU, MBA | One-time planning fee, Hourly |
| Anthony Syracuse Dynamic Financial Planning is a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning firm in Scottsdale, AZ specializing in equity compensation and financial planning for tech professionals and high earners in their 30s and 40s. | Dynamic Financial Planning, LLC | Scottsdale | CFP | One-time planning fee, Hourly |
| Avanti Shetye Fee-only, advice-only planning for high-net-worth retirees, pre-retirees and high earners facing retirement income, tax and equity compensation decisions. | Wealthwyzr, LLC | Ellicott City | CFP, CFA, MBA | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Brian Clarke Hourly, fee-only comprehensive planning for individuals and couples nearing retirement who are weighing what comes next. | Clarke Financial Counsel, LLC | Whitefish Bay | CFP, MBA | One-time planning fee, Hourly |
| Chris Musick Personal CFO for faith-driven founders earning $300k+, helping you steward income, taxes, and wealth beyond the business. | Purpose Financial Planning | Fayetteville | CFP, CKA | Flat fee or retainer, Percentage of assets |
| David Barfield Hourly, fee-only advice for individuals, families and small businesses who want to pay only for the time they need. | Datapoint Financial Planning, LLC | Canton | CFP | Hourly |
| Didi Chen Fiduciary planning for immigrants, Asian Americans and their families working through money, career and life transitions. | Everleap Financial Planning | Newcastle | CFP, CFA | One-time planning fee, Hourly |
| Emily Nilsson Hourly, project or ongoing planning that centers the person, helping clients build a healthier, more personal relationship with money. | Brava Financial, LLC | San Diego | CDFA, CFP, JD | One-time planning fee, Hourly |
| Eric Johns We specialize in tax planning for those nearing retirement. | Equilibrium Financial Planning LLC | Kenner | CFP, EA, MBA | Percentage of assets, One-time planning fee |
| Eric Ross Modern wealth management integrating financial planning, tax planning, and investment management to help you live your best life. | F2 Wealth | Cincinnati | CFP | Percentage of assets, Flat fee or retainer |
| Evon Mendrin We help optometrists nationwide build thriving practices and lasting wealth through tailored financial planning and investment management. | Optometry Wealth Advisors LLC | Madera | Certified Student Loan Professional, CFP | Flat fee or retainer, Hourly |
| Garrett Chmiola Valeo is an independent, fee-only financial advisory firm offering objective, independent guidance for one transparent fee | Valeo Financial Advisors | Chicago | CFP, CPA | Flat fee or retainer, Percentage of assets |
| Igor Aronov Flat-fee and hourly planning that helps professionals, business owners and families sort through overlapping decisions during busy career and family years. | FAR Financial | Brooklyn | CFP | One-time planning fee, Hourly |
| Jane Mepham Financial Planning For Foreign-Born Families & US Expats | Elgon Financial Advisors | Austin | CFP, MSC | Percentage of assets, One-time planning fee |
| Jenn Steliga Coaching-centered planning and accountability for people who feel late in pursuing their own version of financial independence. | Find Your FI | Omaha | CFP | Subscription |
| Jorge Soriano Financial and tax planning for young families and professionals focused on early retirement, with no age or asset minimums. | Financial Optimist LLC | Saint Petersburg | CFP, EA | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Joshua Gallogly Advice-only, tax-focused retirement planning for DIY investors and retirees who want to keep managing their own accounts. | Milestones Financial, LLC | Columbus | CFP, EA | One-time planning fee, Hourly |
| Justin May Tax-focused wealth management for executives & founders | Old Peak Finance | Chapel Hill | CFP, MBA | Flat fee or retainer, Percentage of assets |
| Kevin Estes Kevin Estes, CFP®, CCFC, MBA is an hourly financial planner who helps tech professionals and their families live great lives. | Scaled Finance, LLC | Bellevue | CFP, MBA | Hourly, One-time planning fee |
| Kevin Feig Rewrite Your Money Story. Build Real Wealth. | Walk You To Wealth | Dover | CFP, CPA, PFS | Subscription |
| Matt Sheers Flat-fee, advice-only planning for mid-career individuals and couples working through career changes, growing families or business ownership. | Sheer Empowerment Financial | Plymouth | CFP, CFA | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Michael Halper Flat-fee fiduciary planning for individuals and families, covering retirement, taxes, investments, stock options and digital assets. | Strateon Intelligent Wealth | Simi Valley | CFP | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Michael Staman Ongoing or project-based planning for mid- to late-career corporate and nonprofit professionals, with flat pricing and simple, low-cost investing. | Delaware Financial Planning | Newark | AWMA, CAP, CFP, MPAS | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Michal Skowronski Comprehensive Wealth Planning for High-Income Professionals and Retirees | Skylark Wealth, LLC | San Francisco | CFP | Percentage of assets, Flat fee or retainer |
| Paulo Lopes Hourly or flat-fee, tax-aware planning for DIY investors, high earners and business owners who want a second set of eyes. | Woodmont Financial Partners LLC | Mesa | CFP, JD | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Rupa Pereira Tax-focused hourly and comprehensive planning for young families, women-led households and clients with cross-border ties. | FWJ Planning | Raleigh Durham Triangle | CFP, EA | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Sarah Gerber Project and ongoing planning for newlyweds, young families and early-career professionals building a financial foundation, including couples merging finances. | Momentum Financial Planning LLC | Longmont | CFP, AFC | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Shannon Fleener Bilingual, values-based planning for first-generation wealth builders and progressive clients who want their money to do good too. | Sage Financial Planning | San Diego | CFP | Subscription, One-time planning fee |
| Tim Melia Hourly, advice-only planning for young professionals, families and retirees, from first-time guidance to second opinions for DIY investors. | Embolden Financial Planning LLC | Seattle | CFP, MBA | Hourly |
| Adam Bornn | Parallel Wealth Financial Group | Langley | CFP, CLU | Flat fee or retainer, One-time planning fee |
| Adam Koos | Libertas Wealth Management Group Inc | Columbus | CEPA, CFP, CMT | Percentage of assets, Flat fee or retainer |
| Aditi Kapadia | Wealth IQ | Springfield | CFA, CFP, MBA | Percentage of assets, One-time planning fee |
| Alan Rhode | Modern Wealth | Blue Bell | CFP, RLP, CPWA | Percentage of assets |
| Alejandro Haas | Copper Square Private Wealth, LLC | Phoenix | CFP, CIMA | Flat fee or retainer, Ongoing planning fee |
| Alex Ammar Advice-only planning for people aiming to become financially independent and retire early within 10 years, with education built in. | Paradox Financial LLC | Montverde | CFP | One-time planning fee, Hourly |
| Allison Donaldson | HTG Investment Advisors Inc. | New Canaan | CFP, MBA, JD | Percentage of assets, Ongoing planning fee |
| Alvin Carlos | District Capital Management | Washington | CFP, CFA | Flat fee or retainer, Ongoing planning fee |
| Amber FitzRysler | Rising Financial | Minneapolis | BA, CFP, EA | Ongoing planning fee, One-time planning fee |
| Amir Noor | N Financial Plans | Huntington | CFP, CRPS, EA | Hourly, Ongoing planning fee |
| Amy Barnes | Firebrand Wealth Management, LLC | Seattle | CFP | Percentage of assets, Ongoing planning fee |
| Andrea Thompson | Modern Cents | Toronto | CFP, CRPC, CLU, CHS | Flat fee or retainer, Ongoing planning fee |
| Andrew Altfest | Altfest Personal Wealth Management | New York | CFP, MBA | Ongoing planning fee |
| Andrew Dobson | Objective Financial Partners Inc. | Markham | CFP, CIM | Flat fee or retainer, Hourly |
| Andrew Ish | Prepared Financial Planning LLC | Milwaukee | CFP, CFA, CPA | Percentage of assets, Ongoing planning fee |
| Andrew Langdon | VetWorth | Peachtree City | CFP, EA, MBA | Flat fee or retainer, Ongoing planning fee |
| Andrew Novick | The Investment Connection | Bridgewater | CFP, JD | Percentage of assets, Ongoing planning fee |
| Angela Furubotten-LaRosee | Avea Financial Planning, LLC | Pasco | CFP | Flat fee or retainer, Ongoing planning fee |
| Anna Golan-Reznick | Objective Financial Partners Inc. | Markham | CFP | Flat fee or retainer, Hourly |
| Ashley Rittershaus Flat-fee, six-month planning for people who want to retire early, work less or change course while caring for their future selves. | Curious Crow Financial Planning | Revere | CFP | One-time planning fee |
| Audrey Morrison | Cairn Financial Advisors, LLC | Denver | CFP, MBA | Percentage of assets, Ongoing planning fee |
Guides
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Estate attorney vs financial planner: who does what in an estate plan
An estate attorney drafts and signs the legal documents: wills, trusts, powers of attorney. A financial planner works out what those documents should do and keeps beneficiaries, accounts and taxes lined up. Most people need the attorney for the documents and a planner for the rest.
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Estate planning in Canada: what you need and what it costs
A Canadian estate plan is a will, two powers of attorney, up-to-date beneficiary designations and a plan for the tax due at death. The documents come from a lawyer or notary; a one-time plan from a fee-only planner costs a median C$1,900.
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Setting up an estate plan: the documents and the order
A basic estate plan is a will, a durable financial power of attorney, a healthcare directive and up-to-date beneficiary forms, plus a revocable trust for many families. Federal estate tax starts at $15 million in 2026, but some states tax estates from $1 million. A one-time plan from a fee-only planner costs a median $2,000.
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After a death in the family: the first 90 days
In the first 90 days, get death certificates, secure the home and accounts, find the will and let the deadlines set the order. Most money decisions can wait. A few can't, including Social Security paid for the month of death and, for estates that need one, an estate tax return due 9 months after the death.
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How to review your beneficiary designations
Beneficiary forms decide who receives your retirement accounts, life insurance and transfer-on-death accounts, whatever your will says. Check every form after a marriage, divorce, birth or death. A divorce doesn't reliably remove an ex from a workplace plan, and a 401(k) generally goes to your spouse unless they sign a witnessed waiver.
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Financial planning for a blended family
In a second marriage, the default rules often leave everything to the new spouse and nothing to children from before. Beneficiary forms, trusts and a written agreement fix that. A one-time plan from a fee-only planner costs a median $2,000.