Keeping Private Estate Planning Documents Private

As I have previously discussed, Robin Williams’ decision to rely on trusts rather than a will for his estate planning protected the privacy of his estate and family. Despite his efforts to keep his estate matters private, some information regarding a no longer effective insurance trust was found by media outlets due to the instrument’s involvement in previous litigation. Here are three tips for planning professionals to keep their clients private documents private:

1. Avoid including any personal information in documents that is not necessary for the validity or use.
2. Limit the number of full copies of testamentary documents and use redacted copies when possible.
3. Be mindful when transmitting documents and use web security if possible.

See Kim Kamin, Protecting Client’s Privacy, Wealth Management, Sept. 5, 2014.