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KEY POINTS
High-net-worth families don't leave anything to chance. They use estate planning not only to distribute wealth, but to protect it -- from the IRS, from court battles, and sometimes even from their own heirs.
If you have a house, retirement savings, or kids, a smart plan matters more than you think. And you don't need millions in the bank to get started. You only need the right tools and a little strategy.
The ultra-rich love trusts because they give control and protection that wills can't match.
These strategies used to be reserved for the 1%, but now, many attorneys are building trust-based plans for regular families, too.
Want to know what type of trust is right for your situation? With our partner, SmartAsset, you can get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors so you can get professional advice.
Permanent life insurance can be a tax-free way to pass money down to loved ones. Many high-net-worth families own their policies inside an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) to keep the death benefit out of their taxable estate.
It's a powerful play:
This isn't just about coverage -- it's about control.
Right now, you can give away $18,000 per year, per person (as of 2025) without touching your lifetime exemption. Couples can double that. Many wealthy families use this rule to move serious money out of their estate while they're still alive.
Bonus: The current federal estate tax exemption is scheduled to drop in 2026, which means now may be the smartest time to act.
Not sure how much you should give or how gifting impacts your estate? Our partner SmartAsset's no-cost quiz makes it easier to find a fiduciary financial advisor.
Wealthy families often bundle their investments, real estate, or even business interests into a family limited liability company (FLLC). Then they pass on "shares" of the LLC to heirs at a discounted value.
Here's what that does:
Setting up a family LLC requires expert help -- but it can be a game-changer for families who want both structure and flexibility.
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