Estate Planning and Wealth Strategy: Why Collaboration Matters | Season 2 Episode 7

In this episode of *Death and Dirt*, we are joined by Kristen Del Grosso, Senior Vice President and Market Leader for Central Pennsylvania at PNC Private Bank, and Kimberly Pennell, Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist at PNC Private Bank. Together, we discuss why estate planning, wealth strategy, tax planning, and financial advising cannot operate in silos—and how stronger collaboration among attorneys, financial advisors, and CPAs leads to better outcomes for clients. Our conversation explores how estate planning documents are implemented after they're signed, the importance of aligning beneficiary designations and asset titling with a client's overall estate plan, and the role financial institutions play in carrying out a client's intentions. We also discuss common breakdowns in communication among advisors, practical ways to improve coordination, and opportunities for attorneys to build stronger relationships with financial professionals. Whether you are an estate planning attorney, fiduciary litigator, financial advisor, CPA, or other professional serving clients in the trusts and estates space, this episode offers practical insights into building a more collaborative planning process and avoiding the disconnects that can undermine even the best-drafted estate plans. \~~~ Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure. Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania. Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness. \*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠⁠⁠