In 2025, estate planning has become a cornerstone of wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families. Morgan Stanley’s Family Office Resources (FOR) exemplifies this evolution, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the complex needs of the affluent.
🏛️ Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Morgan Stanley’s FOR provides UHNW clients with a holistic approach to estate planning, encompassing:
- Trust and Estate Planning: Developing strategies to minimize estate taxes and ensure efficient wealth transfer.
- Family Governance and Wealth Education: Establishing structures to promote family unity and educate heirs on managing wealth.Wall Street Friends+3Morgan Stanley+3Morgan Stanley+3
- Philanthropy Management: Aligning charitable giving with clients’ values and legacy goals.Morgan Stanley+17Morgan Stanley+17Morgan Stanley+17
- Lifestyle Advisory Services: Addressing personal needs such as travel, security, and concierge services.
These services are tailored to each family’s unique circumstances, ensuring a personalized approach to estate planning.
📊 Strategic Tax and Wealth Transfer Planning
In 2025, the federal gift and estate tax exemption is $13.99 million per person, indexed for inflation. Morgan Stanley’s advisors assist clients in navigating these thresholds through strategies like:Morgan Stanley
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs): Removing life insurance proceeds from the taxable estate.
- Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs): Transferring appreciating assets to heirs with minimal gift tax implications.
- Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs): Providing income to charities while transferring assets to heirs at a reduced tax cost.Morgan Stanley
These strategies are designed to optimize tax efficiency and preserve wealth across generations.
🌐 Global Expertise and Cross-Border Solutions
Morgan Stanley’s FOR team offers global expertise, addressing the complexities of cross-border estate planning. They collaborate with clients’ legal and tax advisors to design strategies that consider international laws and regulations, ensuring seamless wealth transfer across jurisdictions.
🧭 A Holistic Approach to Wealth Management
Morgan Stanley emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating investment strategies with estate planning to ensure a cohesive wealth management plan. This methodology allows clients to make informed decisions that align with their long-term objectives and family legacy.
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