Estate Planning for High Net Worth Families
Estate planning for high net worth families isn’t just about deciding who gets what. It’s about minimizing taxes, protecting your heirs, and preserving your legacy for generations to come.
At Falcon Wealth Planning, we help simplify these complex decisions so that affluent families can gain clarity, control, and peace of mind.
The Estate Tax Threat Most Families Ignore
If your estate exceeds $13.61 million (or $27.22 million for married couples) in 2024, the portion above that threshold could be taxed at 40%. And with the federal estate tax exemption set to drop significantly in 2026, more families will be impacted than ever before.
“You don’t need a $50 million estate to be affected by estate taxes anymore. The current laws are temporary. Wealthy families who are planning ahead now are the ones preserving more for their kids later.”
— Gabriel Shahin, CFP®
Without a proper plan, your heirs may be forced to sell property, businesses, or investments just to cover tax obligations.
Trusts, Gifting, and Giving: Smart Strategies for Complex Estates
Trusts That Shield and Shape Your Legacy
For high-net-worth individuals, irrevocable trusts are foundational. Vehicles like Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs), Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), and Dynasty Trusts help:
- Move appreciating assets out of your taxable estate
- Retain control over how and when wealth is distributed
- Protect your assets from creditors and lawsuits
Charitable Giving That Serves Your Values and Your Bottom Line
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) allow you to:
- Earn immediate tax deductions
- Create lifetime income streams
- Reduce the size of your taxable estate
“A well-structured charitable strategy can provide tax deductions now, income during retirement, and pass the remainder to a nonprofit—all while keeping your estate below the taxable threshold.”
— Gabriel Shahin, CFP®
Gifting Strategies That Take Advantage of Time
Gifting today can mean significant tax savings tomorrow. Popular strategies include:
- Annual exclusion gifts to family members (up to $18,000 per person in 2024)
- Utilizing your lifetime exemption before it’s reduced
- Transferring business or real estate interests using Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) and GRATs to apply valuation discounts
Life Insurance Isn’t Just Insurance—It’s a Strategic Tool
When structured properly, life insurance provides tax-free liquidity to help heirs pay estate taxes without selling off important assets.
It can also be used to equalize inheritances when one child takes over a family business or real estate while others receive cash.
Mistakes the Rich Can’t Afford to Make
Many families wait too long to act. Common oversights include:
- Not updating plans after major life events
- Relying only on a will instead of building out trusts
- Leaving heirs unprepared to manage inherited wealth
“Estate planning is about more than just tax savings. It’s about leaving your family a gift that brings clarity, not confusion.”
— Gabriel Shahin, CFP®
A proper estate plan brings order to what would otherwise be an emotional and logistical burden during an already difficult time.
Why High-Net-Worth Families Choose Falcon Wealth
We are a fee-only fiduciary firm focused on the needs of affluent families. Our Certified Financial Planners™ work with your estate attorney, CPA, and key decision-makers to deliver truly integrated plans.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- No commissions or product sales—ever
- Specialists in advanced estate and tax strategies
- Personalized education for you and your heirs
- Ongoing plan updates as tax laws and family needs evolve
Take the First Step Toward a Smarter Estate Plan
You’ve spent your life building wealth. Let’s make sure it serves your family for generations.
Schedule a Free Assessment with one of our Certified Financial Planners™ today. We’ll help you review your current estate plan, uncover risks, and build a customized strategy that aligns with your goals, values, and legacy.
*The content in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Falcon Wealth Planning, Inc., a fee-only, true fiduciary, registered investment advisor, provides this information to give a broad understanding of financial concepts and strategies.
