The Williams Group offers a few sample statements to help determine a well-coached family.* If you answer "no" to any of the following statements, you may benefit from professional family coaching.

Please note that these statements are not comprehensive or exclusive. If you feel you need further assistance, please contact us for a full evaluation.

1. Can we discuss anything among family members without any "taboo" subjects we are unable to bring up?
2. Are we are able to discuss and take action on any subject, even emotional ones?
3. Does trust exist within the family with regard to topics of wealth succession and inheritance -- including spouses, children, in-laws?
4. Has the family developed the overall mission for wealth, and have all adult heirs participated in the development of this mission?
5. Has philanthropy been considered as an estate-planning strategy, and are family members active in the philanthropic work?
6. Have heirs chosen a specific area of focus, and do they know the level of competence required, before they assume family responsibility?
7. Has gossip in the family been eliminated or reduced?
8. Have observable and measureable standards for the heirs' level of competence been established?

*Ref. pages 96-99, Preparing Heirs, by Williams and Preisser, © 2003