Family Office: Aligning Generational Goals. Managing the Day-to-Day.

Enjoy the benefits of a family office without the cost and effort of maintaining one.

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Family Office Q+A with Andrew Cooper
Family Office Q+A with Andrew Cooper

The Family Office Paradox

Alone among many. While the success of your family office confers tremendous opportunities, it also brings complexity. Families of means often juggle multiple professionals to manage their investments, taxes, estate planning, charitable giving, household logistics, and more. Still, no matter how many professionals they hire, the complexities of a family office can make them feel overwhelmed and unsupported.

If the family is supervising a patchwork of disparate professionals, the lack of specialized integration can lead to suboptimal planning and unnecessary stress. That is where the family office advisors at Cerity Partners can help.

The Solution: Comprehensive Family Office Services

Support beyond finances. Cerity Partners Family Office provides a comprehensive suite of services that frees families to focus on what matters most. Our coordinated team of family office advisors is dedicated to preserving, growing, and protecting prosperity. We also serve as the family’s allies and advocates. Whether it’s creating an advanced giving strategy, preparing the next generation to be responsible stewards, optimizing the sale of a business, keeping family meetings productive, or simply saving them time, Cerity Partners’ family office advisors listen attentively and offer sophisticated solutions.

Cerity Partners Family Office can deliver the tools, infrastructure, and specialized knowledge that help the family manage life events and realize critical opportunities.

The Family Office Experience: A Customized Approach

Families receive the full breadth and depth of Cerity Partners through highly personalized family office wealth management services from a dedicated team. The family office is customized in various ways, including a family charitable fund, a family LLC investment vehicle, and a family office email address that reaches the entire team and can be used to facilitate communication with other professionals.

Cerity Partners Family Office clients can expect:

Thought Leadership

Our firm's experienced family office advisors and technical specialists provide timely insights on the most opportunistic and challenging financial topics of the moment.

Exceptional Talent

We attract and retain talented professionals in the wealth management industry. Advisors join Cerity Partners because they passionately believe in our approach.

Stewardship

We educate our clients on relevant wealth management issues and solutions, providing full transparency on all terms, risks, and expected outcomes.

We serve as the central hub of your Family Office, connecting you seamlessly with all of your professional services.

We serve as the central hub of your Family Office, connecting you seamlessly with all of your professional services.

We serve as the central hub of your Family Office, connecting you seamlessly with all of your professional services.

We serve as the central hub of your Family Office, connecting you seamlessly with all of your professional services.

Great service is more than meeting expectations. It’s about redefining what’s possible—delivering results and creating an experience that stands above the rest.

Justyn Volesko, Partner & Co-Head of Family Office

The Four Pillars of Cerity Partners Family Office

Keeping the family’s financial house in order begins with bringing everything under one roof.

1

Advanced holistic planning

A truly holistic wealth plan addresses every aspect of your family’s financial well-being and long-term vision. Our services include:

  • Legacy planning
  • Income tax strategies
  • Advanced estate planning
  • Trust and fiduciary oversight
  • Asset protection and risk management
  • Life and business event planning
  • Philanthropy
  • Family governance and next-generation education
  • Transparent, customized reporting

By tailoring every detail to your family’s unique circumstances, we help safeguard your future and preserve your legacy for generations to come.

3

Trusted guidance and peace of mind

Our dedicated team of seasoned family office professionals provides tailored advice and proactive communication to address your family’s unique needs. With 24/7 access to trusted advisors, we simplify complex financial and lifestyle matters, offering a seamless experience for your family.

Our approach includes:

  • Safeguarding wealth, privacy, and legacy
  • Anticipating challenges and providing solutions
  • Continuously adapting to your evolving goals

With us as your partner, you gain the confidence of knowing that every detail is handled with precision, so your family can focus on what matters most.

2

Access to sophisticated investments

We design and manage diversified, goal-centered portfolios tailored to your family’s objectives. With access to a broad range of assets and strategies, including exclusive opportunities, we help maximize potential returns.

Our size and scale enable us to:

  • Secure lower fees
  • Gain exclusive access to unique opportunities
  • Negotiate seed economics in select cases

Through careful monitoring, performance benchmarking, and transparent reporting, we deliver market insights and investment solutions that go beyond traditional options—providing the tools your family needs to grow and sustain wealth.

4

Concierge lifestyle services

Our Family Office is designed to free your family’s time and resources by managing essential life events. Services include:

  • Bill pay: Collecting, paying, and tracking invoices.
  • Real estate: Acting as your proxy and managing logistics to ensure privacy.
  • Household employees: Managing payroll and employee administration.
  • Art advisory: Providing guidance on art collections.
  • Security: Protecting your family, home, and digital presence.
  • Private planes, boats, and cars: Overseeing maintenance for your assets.

By simplifying these complexities, we give your family the freedom to focus on your values, passions, and legacy.

1

Advanced holistic planning

A truly holistic wealth plan addresses every aspect of your family’s financial well-being and long-term vision. Our services include:

  • Legacy planning
  • Income tax strategies
  • Advanced estate planning
  • Trust and fiduciary oversight
  • Asset protection and risk management
  • Life and business event planning
  • Philanthropy
  • Family governance and next-generation education
  • Transparent, customized reporting

By tailoring every detail to your family’s unique circumstances, we help safeguard your future and preserve your legacy for generations to come.

2

Access to sophisticated investments

We design and manage diversified, goal-centered portfolios tailored to your family’s objectives. With access to a broad range of assets and strategies, including exclusive opportunities, we help maximize potential returns.

Our size and scale enable us to:

  • Secure lower fees
  • Gain exclusive access to unique opportunities
  • Negotiate seed economics in select cases

Through careful monitoring, performance benchmarking, and transparent reporting, we deliver market insights and investment solutions that go beyond traditional options—providing the tools your family needs to grow and sustain wealth.

3

Trusted guidance and peace of mind

Our dedicated team of seasoned family office professionals provides tailored advice and proactive communication to address your family’s unique needs. With 24/7 access to trusted advisors, we simplify complex financial and lifestyle matters, offering a seamless experience for your family.

Our approach includes:

  • Safeguarding wealth, privacy, and legacy
  • Anticipating challenges and providing solutions
  • Continuously adapting to your evolving goals

With us as your partner, you gain the confidence of knowing that every detail is handled with precision, so your family can focus on what matters most.

4

Concierge lifestyle services

Our Family Office is designed to free your family’s time and resources by managing essential life events. Services include:

  • Bill pay: Collecting, paying, and tracking invoices.
  • Real estate: Acting as your proxy and managing logistics to ensure privacy.
  • Household employees: Managing payroll and employee administration.
  • Art advisory: Providing guidance on art collections.
  • Security: Protecting your family, home, and digital presence.
  • Private planes, boats, and cars: Overseeing maintenance for your assets.

By simplifying these complexities, we give your family the freedom to focus on your values, passions, and legacy.

Meet the Family Office Practice

Our practice of over 40 specialized family office advisors provides comprehensive support tailored to your unique goals. From wealth preservation to legacy planning, our specialists are committed to delivering seamless, top-tier service for your family.

Headshot of Andrew Cooper

Andrew Cooper

Partner & Co-Head of Family Office
Headshot of Justyn Volesko

Justyn Volesko

Partner & Co-Head of Family Office
Headshot of Jennette Brilliant

Jennette Brilliant

Partner
Headshot of Jillian Lam

Jillian Lam

Partner
Headshot of Evan Vulgamore

Evan Vulgamore

Senior Associate
Headshot of Nicole Fox

Nicole Fox

Partner
Meet the Full Family Office Practice

Getting Started

When we begin a relationship with a new family, we take these key steps:

1

Getting to know the family

The process starts with a deep dive into your family’s financial landscape and personal dynamics. We evaluate trusts, LLCs, and financial relationships, while also taking the time to understand your family’s priorities, goals, and responsibilities. This holistic approach enables us to craft a personalized client report—a tool that guides decision-making and shapes the strategies to protect and grow your family’s legacy.

2

Creating an action plan

With the customized client report as our guide, we work with your family to refine priorities, confirm details, and identify opportunities for growth and protection. Together, we design a tailored action plan that aligns with your goals and vision. With a clear strategy in place, we begin implementing solutions and take on the day-to-day responsibilities that simplify your family’s financial life.

3

Your family office in action

The family office is now fully operational, with our team handling the execution of the action plan while proactively managing your family’s financial responsibilities and day-to-day needs. As life changes, we continuously reassess and refine the plan, ensuring that it remains aligned with your family’s goals. Our focus is on providing unwavering support and simplifying complexities, so your family can focus on pursuing your passions and building a lasting legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a family office, and how can it benefit my family?

How does Cerity Partners Family Office tailor its services to meet the unique needs of each family?

What should I look for in a family office to ensure my wealth is managed effectively?

What types of financial and lifestyle challenges can a family office help address?

How do you work with other advisors, such as attorneys and accountants?

What strategies do you use to help families align their financial goals with their values?

How do you help the next generation prepare for the responsibilities of wealth?

What is the role of a family office, and how can it benefit my family?

A family office offers comprehensive financial, legal, tax, and lifestyle management services designed to simplify your life, preserve your wealth, and provide peace of mind by ensuring you have a dedicated team protecting your interests and advancing your family’s goals.

How does Cerity Partners Family Office tailor its services to meet the unique needs of each family?

We develop customized strategies by understanding your values, priorities, and long-term goals, offering seamless integration of wealth management, tax planning, estate strategies, and more.

What should I look for in a family office to ensure my wealth is managed effectively?

Look for a team with personalized service, transparency, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to holistically manage your financial and personal needs.

What types of financial and lifestyle challenges can a family office help address?

We handle a wide range of challenges, including investment management, succession planning, tax optimization, real estate management, bill payment, and coordinating family governance.

How do you work with other advisors, such as attorneys and accountants?

We collaborate closely with your trusted advisors or bring in specialists as needed, ensuring a coordinated approach that aligns with your overarching financial strategy.

What strategies do you use to help families align their financial goals with their values?

We focus on understanding what matters most to your family, from philanthropy to legacy planning, and design strategies that reflect and uphold those priorities.

How do you help the next generation prepare for the responsibilities of wealth?

We provide education, mentorship, and family governance guidance to equip future generations with the knowledge and tools they need to manage and sustain wealth responsibly.

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Your Introduction to Our Family Office Advisors Awaits

Protecting Your Legacy, Simplifying Your Life

Our team of over 40 specialists is dedicated to supporting your family's unique vision. By protecting and growing your wealth, simplifying the complexities of financial stewardship, and preserving your legacy, we give your family the time and peace of mind to focus on living your values and achieving your shared goals.

Doug Bonaquist's headshot

Doug Bonaquist

Partner

Jillian Lam's headshot

Jillian Lam

Partner

Protecting your Legacy. Simplifying Your Life.

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During this initial conversation, we’ll learn more about your family’s unique goals and priorities, answer any questions, and explore how our team can support your vision through tailored solutions

Looking forward to
speaking with you!

Doug Bonaquist

Partner

Doug Bonaquist's headshot

Thank you for booking a meeting with us!

We look forward to connecting with you soon.

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