Dennis Hall: Dealing with bereaved clients should be crisis avoidance not crisis management

Be prepared

clock • 4 min read

Navigating bereaved clients’ emotions can be a battlefield, says Dennis Hall. He explores what financial advisers can do to improve the process...

The brief was simple: a 700-word article on how to best deal with recently bereaved clients who suggest making unusual or rash decisions with their finances in the midst of grief. Sure, I can do that, I have even written a book about it. Well, not exactly that. I will explain. Yes, I have written a book (Who Will it Hurt When I Die - not the most inspiring title, I admit) and part of the research involved interviewing dozens of widows about their experiences following the death of their husband. I set out with the intention of creating a crisis management book; the ‘go-to' reference for ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Financial advice industry urged to do more for vulnerable clients

Financial advice industry urged to do more for vulnerable clients

Calls for more earlier identification of vulnerabilities

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 August 2025 • 2 min read
Advisers missing a 'share of wallet' trick

Advisers missing a 'share of wallet' trick

Aegon and NextWealth research suggests just a quarter track this

Jen Frost
clock 27 August 2025 • 2 min read
What's stopping the advice profession from attracting more young blood?

What's stopping the advice profession from attracting more young blood?

Chief reporter’s view: Calling my fellow Gen Z’s!

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 August 2025 • 4 min read