When families think about inheritance planning, the focus is often on assets, taxes, and legal documents. But according to Forward Inheritance, one of the most overlooked risks in inheritance isn’t financial, it’s relational. “Inheritance disputes rarely start because of money alone,” said Bryan Walley, CEO of Forward Inheritance. “They start because expectations weren’t aligned, conversations didn’t happen, and intentions weren’t clearly communicated.”
Research and professional experience show that inheritance-related conflicts frequently stem from misunderstandings; who was promised what, why decisions were made or whether outcomes were perceived as fair. Once trust is broken, the financial impact can be far less damaging than the emotional fallout.
Forward Inheritance takes the position that inheritance planning must account for human dynamics, not just legal outcomes. The company focuses on helping families clarify intentions, understand trade-offs, and prepare emotionally for transitions long before assets change hands. Andrew Mauritzen, CFO of Forward Financial, emphasized that even well-structured plans can fail without communication. “You can have every document in place and still create conflict if families don’t understand the ‘why’ behind decisions,” Mauritzen said. “Clarity reduces the chance that people fill in gaps with assumptions. Forward Inheritance encourages families to view inheritance planning as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Life changes, family structures evolve, and financial realities shift all of which can affect how inheritance decisions are perceived over time. “When people feel heard and informed, outcomes are easier to accept,” Walley added. “That’s true regardless of the size of the inheritance.” As families face increasingly complex legacies, Forward Inheritance believes that the future of inheritance planning lies in transparency, education, and early engagement.