Family Meetings

Most of the time when families gather, the focus is purely social—reconnecting, reminiscing, and “rest and relaxation” as a group. Occasionally, family members may also gather for limited financial management tasks, such as settling a loved one’s estate, or planning for how to manage shared assets such as land or a family vacation home. These family get-togethers are important to families no matter what their financial circumstances. For families with wealth, though, the need to connect can go beyond the social aspects. By having productive family meetings and addressing three key elements—the relationships, family education, and family governance—families of wealth can enhance their ability to work together to sustain and grow the family enterprise.