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The Partners in Planning™ program is an invitation extended to financial advisors, C.P.A.'s, and other support service businesses to become strategic partners with attorney James D. Evans and Benson & Case LLP, in the pursuit of their mutual business interests and plan.  

Partners in Planning™ process is a natural extension of our office's philosophy to work with, and collaborate with the trusted advisors of our clients, with whom they are working.  Our office believes that the time in which to develop close working relationships with these trusted advisors are at the beginning and outset of our relationships with clients.  It has been the tradition and general rule of most law firms to not meet the other advisors, or even family members, until after death or disability have occurred in the family of clients.  The time in which the family is going through what we describe as, "the storms of settlement", is perhaps the worst time to meet family members and other advisors for the first time.  Furthermore, most of our clients, have a desire that the attorney, C.P.A., financial advisor, and family members all work closely as a team to accomplish their planning objectives.  Most clients will never know to what extent each will be able to work together, unless they can personally observe and see that collaboration in action while they are still very much alive and well and able to control and manage their own events.

Over thirty years of experience has taught that in a situation where the attorney and the family have left the relationship building with the trusted advisors and the attorney until after death or disability, more difficulties, complications, and problems in communication typically result.

As a logical consequence of the commitment of our office to 'partner' with trusted advisors, our office developed the Partners in Planning™ process to develop a closer working relationship with other professions and support services.  In this way, we cannot only develop a understanding and mutual respect for each others unique abilities, but in addition develop closer working relationships, which enhance the goals of our clients to achieve the 'peace of mind' that their plan will work with the help of everyone involved.  

While no family advisor or company is required to participate in the Partners in Planning™ process, most clients and advisors view this developing opportunity as a positive and very beneficial step for both themselves and their clients.  As with any relationship, the success of the Partners in Planning™ process is dependant on two very important factors: 1.) Commitment of both time and effort, 2.) A genuine and honest desire to both understand as well as to be understood.

The Commitment for Members
The commitment to become a member in Partners in Planning™ requires a minimum of three meeting stages in order to adequately lay the foundation of a long tern relationship with individuals in multidisciplinary fields.  

The  first stage consists of a preliminary and initial meeting.  This is an opportunity for our office to understand and get to know the advisor, their process, manner in which  they conduct business, market themselves, desire to be communicated with concerning clients, discuss potential problems and conflicts in communication with the advisors office and establish a desire or need to further develop and deepen the relationship with advisors office and our office.

The second stage, for our office is to then shift attention from the advisor's office and process to our office,  with the advisor having an opportunity to understand our philosophy and approach to planning with clients, as well as become acquainted with the education and courses that we offer to clients and their families to better prepare them for the planning process.  This very often includes the attendance of the Client Law School™ course, attended by both clients and advisors, and for which the advisors receive three continuing education credits.  

The last stage in the process consists of a third meeting and extended dialog about how we will be able to combine the unique processes of the advisor and our office, while working with common clients and problems.  We also explore common opportunities in estate planning and the development of potentially new business for the advisor and our office.

Being a Partner in Planning does not in any way imply a financial commitment or reward resulting from mutual referrals of clients.  However, it implies a commitment of professional integrity and a commitment between the advisor and our office.  It strives to achieve the highest levels and standards of work excellence on behalf of the client.  Following the third meeting, a commitment is signed, demonstrating these ideals.  There is also discussion as to what next step the advisor wishes to take in the further development of the relationship.

How to become a "Partner"

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in becoming a "Partner in Planning", please contact our office and we will be happy to accommodate you.  We are constantly looking for qualified professionals who offer superior service to recommend  to work with our clients.