When you think about your legacy, you probably think about documents—wills, trusts, beneficiary forms, and all the formal structures designed to carry out your wishes. And yes, those matter. But they’re only part of the story.
A meaningful legacy isn’t just about transferring assets. It’s about preparing the people who will receive them. It’s about making sure the values that shaped your financial life continue to guide your family long after you’re no longer the one at the helm. That kind of legacy requires more than paperwork. It takes honesty, intention, and conversations that may feel vulnerable—but often become some of the most important conversations a family can have.
More than a plan on paper
Most families we work with have already taken steps to secure the legal and financial side of legacy planning. They’ve worked with attorneys to build thoughtful estate plans. They’ve accounted for taxes and beneficiaries and set up appropriate trusts. But even the most thorough legal documents can’t speak for your heart. They don’t explain why you made the decisions you did—what values informed your choices, what you hope the next generation will carry forward, or what lessons you want to endure.
At LCM, we help families fill in those blanks. We create space for conversations that move beyond distribution and dive into intention. Because when your heirs understand not just what you’ve planned, but why, they’re far more likely to honor those plans in spirit—not just in execution.
Conversations that matter
Legacy conversations aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re as individual as the families having them. But a few themes tend to come up again and again.
For some families, it starts with sharing the story behind their financial success—what values or decisions helped create the wealth they now want to pass on. Others focus on philanthropic priorities: causes that matter, organizations they support, and the impact they hope to make beyond the family itself. In many cases, the conversation shifts to the future: What do you want this money to make possible for the next generation? What do you hope it never does?
These talks can include:
The origins of your wealth and the work it took to build it
The values that have guided your own financial decisions over time
Why you’ve chosen to support certain charitable causes
How you’d like to see future generations approach shared property or trusts
Any boundaries or personal principles you hope will be respected
Just as important as what’s shared is how it’s shared. These are conversations that benefit from space, structure, and a sense of emotional safety. That’s why we often begin with individual conversations—giving each family member the opportunity to reflect on their own perspective and ask questions without pressure. Later, we bring everyone together for a more open dialogue—facilitated with care and grounded in clarity.
How this works in the real world
Josh and Lauren were nearing retirement after building a successful business. Their three adult children lived in different states, and none had expressed much interest in taking over the company. Still, the unknowns weighed on them. They didn’t want to make assumptions—or leave behind confusion and tension.
So, they asked for help.
Together, we created a process. We started by speaking with each child individually—first about the business, then about what an inheritance might mean to them personally. Without their parents or siblings in the room, the conversations flowed more freely. What emerged was clarity: none of the kids wanted to run the business, but each had a different vision for how family wealth could support their goals. One wanted to start a company. Another was interested in a real estate investment. The third wasn’t sure yet—but was grateful to be included in the conversation.
We then brought the family together. What could have been a tense or uncertain discussion became a chance for connection. They listened to one another. They aligned on key priorities. And with our help, they began to map out a plan that honored Josh and Lauren’s legacy while giving their children the freedom to chart their own paths.
The gift of clarity
While Josh and Lauren are fictional, their story reflects the kinds of conversations we’ve guided for many families—each with their own dynamics, hopes, and complexities. These discussions do more than reduce confusion; they create space to share values, acknowledge differences, and replace assumptions with understanding. They’re not about enforcing rules, but about opening doors—to deeper trust, clearer expectations, and a shared sense of purpose.
For many of our clients, this level of legacy planning becomes the spark for bigger conversations—about responsibility, about opportunity, and about how to live with intention. When done well, legacy planning becomes a two-way exchange—not just something you do for your family, but something you do with them.
What will your legacy say?
You’ve worked hard to build something meaningful. Now’s the time to make sure the people you care about most understand what it means to you—and feel prepared to carry it forward with care, confidence, and clarity.
At LCM, we’re here to support that journey. Whether you’re just starting to think about legacy, or you’re ready to gather your family around the table, we can help guide the conversation—so that your wealth tells a story that lasts for generations.
Let’s talk about what comes next—together.
