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

News editor's view: The advice profession is getting bigger, but is it getting better?

News editor's view: The advice profession is getting bigger, but is it getting better?

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 11 September

Isabel Baxter
clock 11 September 2026 • 3 min read
Feel Good Friday: Rosemount renews mental health partnership for advisers

Feel Good Friday: Rosemount renews mental health partnership for advisers

Supporting The Global Returns Project, Grief Encounter, FoodCycle and Verve Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 11 September 2026 • 1 min read
Is compliance the hidden driver of business value and saleability?

Is compliance the hidden driver of business value and saleability?

'The reality is simple - buyers will pay more for certainty'

Paul Bruns
clock 09 September 2026 • 7 min read