Estate planning is often treated as a box to check: documents signed, files stored away, and the assumption that everything will work as intended. But when plans aren’t communicated, updated, or properly executed, families are left facing confusion, conflict, and costly consequences during moments that are already emotionally overwhelming.

In this episode, David Darby, CFA, managing director of the investment strategy team at Farther, shares real stories from decades of experience helping families unwind estate planning mistakes after it’s too late. He explains how unfunded trusts, outdated documents, and lack of coordination between advisors can turn good intentions into years of legal and emotional strain. Listen in as David breaks down what actually goes wrong behind the scenes, how thoughtful execution creates clarity instead of chaos, and why proactive planning is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your family.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why having estate documents doesn’t guarantee they’ll work as intended.
• How unfunded or outdated trusts can trigger costly legal battles.
• The role communication plays between advisors, attorneys, and families.
• When life events should prompt an estate plan review.
• Why healthcare directives are just as critical as financial documents.
• How advisors help reduce administrative burdens during times of grief.
• What clarity looks like when estate planning is done well.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “The value-add of a good advisor is that we give people time in their lives by taking care of the minutia that they probably don't want to have anything to do with. They just want to know that it's getting done.” - David Darby
• “As you get more experienced in life and in our business, you'll see clients that have health issues, and I think we tend to forget that our clients are people first. And that when you have a health issue, it's almost the only thing you can think about.” - David Darby
• “The first time you're probably looking at estate planning is [when] we get married or have kids, and then as they get older, we may be updating it.” - David Darby

Resources:

• David Darby: Website | LinkedIn | Email: david@farther.com | Contact: (347)-385-8572
• Genevieve George: Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Us:

If you're ready to stop avoiding your finances and start building the future you deserve, schedule a free call with me at pelicanfinancialplanning.com and let’s create your personalized financial plan together.

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