When Addiction Surfaces in Beneficiaries and Client Offspring: A New Approach Based on Highly Successful Programs for Physicians

Estate planning and wealth management involve the founder’s goals, family and assets. Unresolved substance use disorders (SUDs) will undermine the best plans and intent in all three areas. However, trustees and attorneys frequently overlook clients engaging in addictive behavior because they are unaware of the symptoms of the disease, don’t know what to do or don’t believe it’s their role to become involved. This article is a practical guide for trustees and professionals on how to identify and respond to clients with SUDs, based on the highly successful recovery programs for physicians and pilots.