In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Lauren Klein – Co-Founder & Attorney at Flourish Law Group, PLLC – to discuss a more personalized approach to estate planning centered on education, empowerment, and understanding the unique needs of each family.

Lauren shares her journey from Biglaw to co-founding Flourish Law Group and explores the importance of planning beyond the documents. The conversation includes special needs trust planning, probate avoidance, privacy, and the role education plays in helping families make informed planning decisions. Lauren also discusses Flourish’s Estate Planning for Busy Parents webinar, designed to make foundational estate planning concepts more accessible.

Finally, Lauren shares the inspiration behind Legal + Wealthy, the community she founded, and the Legal + Wealthy Podcast. She and David discuss wealth building within the legal profession, the pressures attorneys face, and the importance of mental health, well-being, and creating a more sustainable definition of professional success.

You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.

Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction & Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.

If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

  

2026 Innovator of the Year Awards: October 7 | Irvine, CA

Bridgeford is proud to sponsor the Orange County Business Journal’s 2026 Innovator of the Year Awards, taking place on October 7 at the Irvine Marriott, with the luncheon and awards held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Now in its twelfth year, the awards program recognizes Orange County individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership and innovation across a variety of industries and disciplines.

Sydney Warren, Managing Director, is serving as a judge for this year’s awards. Sydney and David Warren, Co-Founder & Chairman, will also be hosting a Bridgeford table at the event. If you’ll be in the area and would like to attend, contact us – we’d be happy to have you join us!

2027 Economic Forecast: October 9 | Newport Beach, CA

Bridgeford is also pleased to sponsor the 2027 Economic Forecast, presented by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and featuring UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business. The event will be held on October 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach.

This annual event brings together Orange County business leaders for insights on the economic outlook and trends shaping the region. This year’s featured speaker is Christopher Schwarz, Professor of Finance and Faculty Director of the Todd & Lisa Halbrook Center for Investment & Wealth Management at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business.

David and Sydney will again be hosting a Bridgeford table and look forward to connecting with members of the Orange County business community. If you’re interested in joining us for the event, contact us to reserve a seat at Bridgeford’s table.

For additional information or questions about these upcoming events, please reach out to us through our contact page or call us at (605) 224-9189.

  

Located at 104 W 40th Street, near Bryant Park in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Bridgeford NYC is situated in one of the world’s leading centers for financial services, law, investment management, and private wealth. The new office provides an important local connection for our work with sophisticated families and the advisors who serve them throughout New York and the broader Northeast.

Bridgeford NYC joins our existing offices in Miami, Newport Beach, Philadelphia, and the Bay Area, continuing Bridgeford’s strategic expansion into key markets nationwide. Together, these locations support our broader commitment to building strong relationships with families and advisors while expanding the reach of Bridgeford’s independent and strategic approach to trust planning.

David Warren, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company and President and CEO of Bridgeford Advisors, shared the following perspective on Bridgeford’s new presence in New York:

“New York City is another natural expansion for Bridgeford, given our deep ties and connection to ‘the city that never sleeps.’ Since our inception, NYC was among the first major financial markets to embrace Bridgeford and the power of modern trust law, and we are thrilled to put our flag in the ground in the heart of Manhattan and formally become part of the city’s domestic and international professional community.”

Bridgeford NYC Launch Event: November 4

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Bridgeford NYC with a ribbon cutting in partnership with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to connect with the Bridgeford team and fellow professionals. David Warren will also share insights on trust jurisdiction selection and the benefits of modern trust law for asset protection, privacy, and tax planning.

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Bar Cima – 30 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018
Registration: Space is limited, so register early by clicking here.

For more information about Bridgeford’s expansion into New York City, or to connect with our team, please contact us via our contact page or by calling (605) 224-9189.

  

If you’ll be attending IPAVision or the STEP LatAm Conference, we’d love to connect. Please reach out to coordinate a time to meet with our team while we’re there.

IPAVision 2026: September 14-17 | Atlanta, GA

Bridgeford Trust Company is pleased to participate in IPAVision 2026, the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives’ premier annual event. The conference brings together more than 500 influential leaders and stakeholders to explore macroeconomic and investment management trends and innovative solutions within the alternative investments industry.

David Warren, Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company, will be attending and speaking on a panel titled Beyond the Exchange: PPLI, PPVA & the Insurance-Wrapper Playbook on Monday, September 14, from 2:50 to 3:40 p.m. David will join Loren Wengerd of Integrity Financial Corporation and moderator Sommer Keplar of the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives to explore PPLI and PPVA structures, the IRS Investor Control Doctrine, and implementation considerations for complex alternative investment portfolios.

STEP LatAm Conference: September 16-18 | São Paulo, Brazil

Bridgeford Trust Company will once again sponsor the sold-out STEP LatAm Conference, taking place September 16-18 in São Paulo, Brazil. The conference brings together trust and estate practitioners from across Latin America and around the world to explore developments and planning considerations affecting internationally connected families and their advisors.

Sydney Warren, Managing Director, and Ozzy Martinez, Senior Trust Officer, will be on-site throughout the conference. If you are attending, we invite you to visit Bridgeford’s exhibit table to meet our team and learn more about our independent approach to trust and fiduciary services, international trust planning services, and the power of South Dakota’s modern trust laws.

OCBJ Women in Business Awards: September 17 | Irvine, CA

Bridgeford Trust Company is proud to sponsor the Orange County Business Journal’s Women in Business Awards, taking place September 17 at the Irvine Marriott.

This annual program recognizes the accomplishments and leadership of outstanding women in Orange County’s business community. We are pleased to support an event that celebrates their contributions and continued impact throughout the region.

Follow Bridgeford Trust Company on LinkedIn for event updates, or reach out directly at (605) 224-9189 or through our contact form.

  

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Skyler Wanberg – Executive VP, Legacy Funding at Leverage Capital Partners – for a conversation on innovative premium funding strategies and the role life insurance can play in sophisticated legacy planning.

Skyler shares his entrepreneurial journey—from launching a life insurance brokerage at 19 to building and exiting companies across several industries before ultimately returning to insurance. David and Skyler then compare traditional premium financing with Leverage Capital Partners’ model, examining how existing assets and customized funding structures may be used to fund large life insurance policies with little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Through examples involving professional athletes, business owners, and multigenerational families, they explore how these strategies may support estate tax planning, create tax-advantaged income, and preserve wealth across generations. They also discuss the importance of independent trustees and advisors, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Private Placement Life Insurance, and how these tools can work alongside South Dakota trusts as part of a comprehensive legacy plan.

You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.

Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction & Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.

If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

  

This honor reflects the continued growth and momentum of Bridgeford and the independent, conflict-free fiduciary model on which the company was founded. Since 2012, Bridgeford has grown into South Dakota’s oldest and largest independently owned trust company, serving families across the United States and around the world while working collaboratively with their attorneys, financial advisors, family offices, and other trusted professionals.

As Bridgeford continues to expand its national and international presence, the company remains fiercely independent and committed to sophisticated trust administration and fiduciary services, collaboration with advisors, and education around modern trust law. Through speaking engagements, published articles, educational videos, podcasts, and other initiatives, Bridgeford continues to help professionals and families better understand sophisticated trust planning opportunities.

David reflected on Bridgeford’s longstanding connection to the Miami community, saying:

“Long before we launched our office on Brickell in 2020, Bridgeford had the pleasure of bringing the very best of modern U.S. fiduciary services to advisors and families in South Florida and across Latin America. With its uniquely international and vibrant business culture, Miami is a community Bridgeford is very proud to be a part of, and I am extremely grateful for this recognition.”

David’s Miami Titan 100 honor follows his recent selection as a shortlisted nominee for the 2026 Orange County Executive Forum & Leadership Awards. Together, these recognitions reflect David’s leadership and Bridgeford’s continued growth as an independent trust company serving families and their advisors across the country and around the world.

The 2026 Miami Titan 100 Honorees will be celebrated on November 19, 2026, at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami. Bridgeford congratulates David and all of this year’s honorees and looks forward to joining Miami’s business community for the awards celebration in November!

  

If you’ll be attending either event, we’d love to connect. Please reach out to coordinate a time to meet with our team while we’re there.

Pinnacle Study Group – August 19-21  |  Chicago

Bridgeford Trust Company is pleased to sponsor the upcoming Pinnacle Study Group, taking place August 19-21 at the University Club of Chicago. Pinnacle brings together experienced business and personal financial planners from across the country to share expertise and support continued professional development.

David Warren, Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company, will be attending and speaking on Modern Trust Laws, exploring how progressive trust laws have transformed trust planning for families and their advisors and created opportunities for greater direction, control, and flexibility.

We look forward to connecting with fellow attendees in Chicago and discussing the continued evolution of modern trust planning.

Dates: August 19-21, 2026
Location: University Club of Chicago – Chicago, IL
Learn More: Pinnacle Study Group

Jerry A. Kasner Estate Planning Symposium – August 27-28  |  Santa Clara

Bridgeford Trust Company is pleased to sponsor the Jerry A. Kasner Estate Planning Symposium, taking place August 27–28 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

Now in its 22nd year, the symposium brings together estate planning attorneys, accountants, financial services professionals, and other industry professionals for two days of education and discussion featuring nationally recognized speakers and subject matter experts.

David Warren and Sydney Warren, Managing Director at Bridgeford, will be in attendance throughout the symposium. If you’re attending, be sure to stop by Bridgeford’s exhibit to meet our team and learn more about our independent approach to trust and fiduciary services and the planning opportunities available under South Dakota law.

Dates: August 27-28, 2026
Location: Santa Clara Convention Center – Santa Clara, CA
Learn More: Jerry A. Kasner Estate Planning Symposium

We always value the opportunity to spend time with the advisors and professionals we work with across the country and look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces in Chicago and Santa Clara.

Follow Bridgeford Trust Company on LinkedIn for event updates, or reach out directly at (605) 224-9189 or via our contact form.

  

While many still think of trusts as static, rigid, and inflexible, the reality is very different today. Top-tier jurisdictions have spent decades developing industry-leading trust statutes that have fundamentally changed how trusts are structured, administered, and adapted over time. In fact, when comparing trust jurisdictions across the United States, one of the most important differentiators is the availability and strength of these modern trust law tools.

Together, these laws have transformed and even revolutionized trust planning, creating opportunities for trusts to adapt to changing laws, family circumstances, and planning objectives. Each of the tools outlined below plays a distinct role in sophisticated trust planning, allowing trusts to evolve alongside the families they are designed to serve.

Directed Trusts

Directed Trusts, only available in a handful of states across the country, including South Dakota, continue to change the trust world through unbundling asset management and trust administration functions, putting control back into the hands of settlors, beneficiaries, and their advisors.

Through bifurcating liability, the Directed Trust model creates a legal framework allowing trustees and beneficiaries to work with asset managers and independent trust companies of their choosing. This structure allows different parties to serve in specialized roles, creating a more flexible and collaborative framework for trust administration and providing families and advisors with more control over investment management, distributions, and other important trust functions.

Trust Protector

The Trust Protector concept is often used in conjunction with a Directed Trust, and allows the settlor, beneficiaries, and their advisors to modify and control many important aspects of the trust and provide direction to the trustee with respect to investment management, jurisdiction, and trust distributions.

Acting as a “super trustee,” the Trust Protector enhances the control aspects of the Directed Trust by providing for direction or restraint of trustee powers. In practice, this creates a level of oversight and flexibility that traditional trust structures did not allow.

Decanting

Decanting, appropriately referred to as a “do over,” is essentially distributing assets from an irrevocable trust to a new trust with different, and presumably more desirable and flexible terms, leaving the unwanted terms in the original trust and not binding on the assets.

Many states do not have a decanting statute and not all decanting statutes are created equally. It is important to evaluate the differences among the statutes when selecting proper situs for a trust, as the strength of a jurisdiction’s decanting statute can have a significant impact on long-term flexibility.

Family Advisor

South Dakota was the first state in the nation to enact legislation creating the Family Advisor. The Family Advisor is another modern trust law tool that delivers additional control and flexibility to settlors, beneficiaries, and their advisors, particularly when used in conjunction with a Directed Trust.

Similar to a Trust Protector, but acting in a non-fiduciary capacity, the Family Advisor has the power to modify, control, and participate in many important aspects of trust administration. Often referred to as a “Trust Protector Light” because of its non-fiduciary status and limited powers, the Family Advisor can be an excellent option for settlors of trusts and beneficiaries who want family advisors, such as attorneys, CPAs, or investment advisors, to provide input on important trust matters without elevating the position to that of a fiduciary and the additional liability that role may carry.

Modification & Reformation

Modification and reformation are additional tools that progressive trust jurisdictions make available to advisors and their clients, allowing them to substantially alter the terms of an existing irrevocable trust, often without the need for court approval.

It is important to note that modification and reformation both result in keeping the original trust, whereas decanting results in the transfer of assets from an existing trust to a newly created trust. All of these tools have the potential to significantly change an irrevocable trust and provide flexibility when trust terms no longer align with a family’s circumstances or planning objectives.

Additional Modern Trust Laws

While the modern trust laws discussed above primarily focus on providing greater direction, control, and flexibility in trust administration, progressive trust jurisdictions such as South Dakota have developed additional modern trust laws that strengthen asset protection, privacy, and long-term planning opportunities. Together, these modern trust laws provide families and their advisors with a broader range of planning options than ever before.

Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs)

Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs), available exclusively in a handful of jurisdictions, including South Dakota, are designed to help protect assets from future third-party liability, including lawsuits and certain creditor claims, while permitting settlors (the person establishing the trust) to retain some control over the trust assets and receive discretionary benefits from the trust during their lifetime.

Because not all DAPT statutes are created equally, the jurisdiction selected can have a significant impact on the strength of the protection available. South Dakota has one of the oldest and most progressive self-settled domestic asset protection statutes in the United States, including a two-year fraudulent transfer “look-back” period that is among the shortest in the country.

Purpose Trusts

Purpose Trusts expand the traditional role of trusts beyond beneficiary-based planning. Unlike traditional trusts, which are established for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries, Purpose Trusts allow assets to be held and administered for a specific purpose.

In progressive trust law jurisdictions such as South Dakota, Purpose Trusts create opportunities to preserve family assets, support philanthropic initiatives, protect unique property, and accomplish other long-term planning objectives that may extend for generations.

Privacy and Quiet Trust Laws

Privacy and Quiet Trust Laws have become an increasingly important consideration for many families when selecting a trust jurisdiction. South Dakota has enacted comprehensive privacy statutes that help preserve confidentiality while providing families with greater control over the administration of a trust.

South Dakota is widely considered to have the strongest trust privacy and Quiet Trust statutes in the United States, providing families with enhanced privacy protections while offering greater control over how and when trust information is shared.

Collectively, these modern trust laws have transformed the trust industry by providing families and their advisors with greater planning opportunities, flexibility, and control than ever before. To learn more about any of the modern trust laws discussed, we encourage you to explore the additional resources available throughout our website and call (605) 224-9189 or contact us online with any questions.

  

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder & Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Jeff Llewellyn – Private Client Advisor and Principal at Rockwood Wealth Management – for an important conversation on Special Needs Trusts and the highly specialized planning required to support individuals with disabilities and their families.

Drawing on both his professional experience and personal journey, Jeff shares how he built a practice focused on helping families move from overwhelm to action by taking one secure step at a time. David and Jeff explore first-party and third-party Special Needs Trusts, preserving eligibility for needs-based government benefits, and the critical importance of experienced trust administration.

They also discuss selecting the right trustee and trust jurisdiction, assembling a collaborative team of experienced professionals, and the planning opportunities available under modern trust laws. Jeff closes by sharing the inspiration behind his forthcoming book and his podcast, Secured Steps, and his mission to provide families with an actionable roadmap for navigating disability planning.

You can listen to our latest episode on Bridgeford’s podcast page, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and SoundCloud—or watch it on our YouTube channel.

Bridgeford Trust Company’s Delivering Direction and Control podcast was developed to educate, challenge, and inspire listeners. As we interview experts in the trust planning arena, we keep listeners updated on developments regarding modern trust law and provide practical discussion on the powerful trust planning opportunities available to advisors around the country and the world—all in an effort to deliver far more direction and control to clients and their advisors than ever before. Check out all of our episodes here: bridgefordtrust.com/podcasts.

If you have questions on any of the topics discussed in this latest episode, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form or call us at (605) 224-9189.

  

This awards program recognizes outstanding business leaders across Orange County who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable success.

Under David’s leadership, Bridgeford Trust Company has expanded its national and international presence while remaining fiercely independent and committed to delivering conflict-free sophisticated trust administration solutions, strengthening advisor relationships, and educating professionals on the opportunities available through modern trust planning. David’s nomination reflects his continued commitment to advancing the trust industry through innovative planning strategies, thought leadership, and a steadfast dedication to serving clients, families, and their advisors.

Finalists and honorees will be announced during the Orange County Executive Forum & Leadership Awards on September 9, 2026, at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Bridgeford congratulates all of this year’s shortlisted nominees and looks forward to celebrating the achievements of Orange County’s business community!