Third-Party Waivers and Why We Sometimes Need Them
As your trusted estate planning attorney, if we do not have an immediate answer or solution for
you, we can often get one by contacting another attorney or advisor who works in an area that
falls outside of our expertise - a vetted professional that we have developed working
relationships with or perhaps your trusted advisor who can be brought in to enhance the
services provided to you.
When this happens, we must adhere to specific ethical guidelines, including those outlined in
the American Bar Association's (ABA) Code of Professional Conduct Rule 1.6,1 regarding client
confidentiality and obtaining informed consent before disclosing information related to your
planning. According to ABA Model Code Rule 1.6, "[a] lawyer shall not reveal information
relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent."2
Attorney-Client Privilege
You are surely familiar with attorney-client privilege - confidential communications between you
and your attorney stay between you and your attorney. This is one of the oldest legal privileges,
with boundaries respected by the courts. However, there are times when attorney-client
privilege is waived, such as when information is shared outside of the attorney-client
relationship.
Lawyers often include other individuals as part of their "team," specifically to provide the best
and most comprehensive representation to their client. For example, lawyers may often seek
out a trusted accountant, tax advisor, financial planner, or insurance agent to help translate
complex financial information, tax strategies, or policy information for advanced estate planning.
However, when these individuals are brought in, we want to make sure that you are informed
and protected.
The Third-Party Waiver Form
In situations where nonclients, including your family members and advisors, are integral to the
estate planning process, we may ask you to sign a third-party waiver form. This form serves a
dual purpose:
1. It allows us to share confidential information that is otherwise protected by the attorneyclient privilege with relevant third parties to complete the estate planning process.
2. It allows third parties to be present during our estate planning meetings where sensitive
details are discussed.
The third-party waiver is not only an ethical requirement but it also serves as a practical tool for
permitting effective communication and collaboration among various experts. This can help to
cultivate a comprehensive and transparent approach to estate planning. By seeking informed
consent through the third-party waiver, we adhere to legal and ethical standards that prioritize
your best interests.
Knowing What to Expect from Your Estate Planning Attorney
If you are ready to start the estate planning process and have other trusted advisors you feel
would help the process, you can expect to sign a third-party waiver form. Your privacy is of the
utmost importance.
If you want to include family members or friends in your estate planning meetings, you will need
to sign a waiver permitting us to share your private planning information with them as well. In
some instances, we have found it helpful to include family members in a meeting once the
estate plan is complete, especially if those individuals have been given a role as an executor,
trustee, or agent under a financial or medical power of attorney. We will explain what their roles
involve and your intentions for them in decision-making processes. We can be there to provide
them with advice and support and navigate tough conversations if needed.
We are your attorneys, and it is our responsibility to represent you and your interests. In some
areas of the law, this may mean excluding people; however, in estate planning, it may be to
your benefit to include outside professionals, family members, or loved ones. Regardless of the
situation, we are here for you to ensure that you have an estate plan that is comprehensive and
carries out your wishes.
MEREDITH | PC
4325 Windsor Centre Trail
Suite 400
Flower Mound Texas 75028
214-513-1013
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as written advice about a Federal tax matter. Readers should consult with their own professional Counselors to evaluate or pursue tax, accounting, financial, or legal planning strategies.
You have received this newsletter because I believe you will find its content valuable. Please feel free to Contact Me if you have any questions about this or any matters relating to estate planning.
