Practice Doctor Q&A: How to Get Started in Family Office Services

Ed Mendlowitz CPA The Practice Doctor Q and AIncluding a sample engagement letter.

Question: Some of my clients are getting older and are becoming unable to handle their own financial affairs and I have been asked if I could assist them.  What is involved and how do I charge for it?

Ed Mendlowitz, VPA, PFS, ABV, responds: Many large firms provide “family office” services.  This is a complete one stop financial service that helps clients manage their money, pay their bills, collect their dividends and interest, and make sure insurance isn’t cancelled, mortgage, car lease or condo fee payments aren’t skipped, and tax payments paid on time.

More from Ed: Seven Ways to Increase Fees in 2013 | 10 Best Practices for Tax Season  | Nine Healthy Things To Do During Tax Season  |  12 Reasons to Love Tax Season | FREE INSTANT DOWNLOAD: Sample fee schedule for 1040s | Ask the Geek: A Couple Great Gadgets for Saving Money on All Your Other Gadgets | Three and a Half Ways to Get Your Own CPA PracticeAlso: “Implementing Fee Increases” and “The Tax Season Opportunity Guide.”

Following is a sample engagement letter that I use with clients needing such services. Also, this letter provides a detailed description of what the service involves.