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Pre-nuptial agreements and marriage agreements are not binding under English law, leaving the details of divorce settlements largely in the hands of judges. But decisions rendered in the past five years show that judges are now taking pre-nups more seriously. This article from Withers shows how an appeals court has interpreted the importance of a p...

As their personal wealth and educational levels have increased, women have sought a more equal and active role in family governance, philanthropy, and business and financial planning. This article from RayLign explores the changes that have empowered women and how those changing roles affect family leadership, decision-making and relationships.

Many clients have heard about family meetings — meetings that go beyond regular, quarterly reviews of planning items or investment results — either from their advisors or from other families of wealth. Some experiences have been wonderful while others have been less successful. Although most clients have some idea as to what family meetings are a...

Even for families with generations of addiction, it is possible to achieve sustained recovery and secure the family's finances. Finding the right help for those of wealth and prominence requires persistence, knowledge and professional cooperation with proven, reliable treatment programs.

The most intractable conflicts that arise in business-owning families occur when parties support their opposing positions by reference to histories that contradict each other in essential points. Here is a method of using the shared core of opposing stories to maintain reasonable discussion of primary, must-solve issues while not allowing the myria...

From planning an agenda and obtaining family buy-in to selecting the right venue and leading an event, this short article is replete with practical ideas for organizing family meetings and making them both fun and productive for participants.

A new paper from Withers examines a privy council decision upholding, in large part, a post-nuptial agreement made by a wealthy couple. Given the landmark decision in MacLeod v MacLeod, the authors say, some couples may want to clarify the financial arrangements between them by entering into a post-nuptial agreement.

Too often, family disputes over power and money are settled publicly in the courts, creating rifts among family members that may linger for decades. This article from Withers Bergman emphasizes the importance of transparency among family members and recommends non-legal solutions, such as the formation of a family council, regular family meetings, ...

Complex extended families, generational differences, challenging economics and leadership issues are some of the challenges addressed in this article from RayLign Advisory. The author cites the need for family leadership to be proactive in dealing with the seven key realities he describes.

A discussion of pre-nuptial, post-nuptial or cohabitation agreements.

The authors discuss the impact of the addicted client on the emotional well-being of financial planners. They explore how to recognize the signs of addiction, seek competent assistance, and support recovery including what works for improved treatment.

Families need to learn how to talk about money openly and participate in saving, spending and giving together. The result, Silver Bridge Advisors says, will be an increase in the number of financially thoughtful children in the world, a greater ability for the next generation to use their wealth responsibly, and an increased likelihood that family ...

A tough economy can bring out the worst or the best in families who face difficult discussions and decisions about reducing philanthropic efforts, selling or changing a family business, or coping with a family member's problems. This article from RayLign Advisory contends that solid financial information and a no-nonsense approach to emotional subt...

Family business consultant Kenneth Kaye discusses some characteristics that facilitate trust among family members in two types of enterprises – family offices and family-owned businesses – as well as a conflict resolution intervention that capitalizes on humans' instinctive propensity to trust.

At its best, family philanthropy provides families with an opportunity to reinvigorate their grantmaking, inviting the contribution of fresh and original ideas and approaches from younger generations, and bringing families together in pursuit of a mission inspired by common values. Research conducted for Credit Suisse shows the diversity of experie...