Frequently Asked Questions
Whittier Trust answers common questions about family office services, investment management, estate planning, charitable giving, real estate investment, and personalized client services.
Wealth Management
What services does Whittier Trust offer for wealth management?
We offer a comprehensive suite of wealth management services, including family office services, investment management, trust and estate planning, real estate advisory, and philanthropic strategy. Every solution is tailored to your goals, values, and long-term vision. To learn more, speak with an advisor: contact us.
How do you customize wealth management strategies for each client?
We begin with an in-depth understanding of your financial picture, family dynamics, and long-term vision. From there, we build tailored strategies designed to evolve with your life and the generations that follow. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
What is your investment philosophy and approach to risk management?
We prioritize long-term performance, diversification, and preserving wealth through a disciplined, objective approach. Every portfolio is crafted around your risk tolerance, goals, and tax considerations. Learn more on our Investment Management page.
Can Whittier Trust help with tax-efficient investment strategies?
Yes. Tax efficiency is an integral part of our planning process, from asset location to charitable giving. We focus on after-tax performance to help preserve and grow your wealth. Learn more on our Investment Management page.
How do you ensure transparency and communication in managing my wealth?
As a client, you will have a dedicated advisor supported by a team of specialists who provide regular updates and are always available for direct conversations. Our advisors know you and your family and understand the unique needs of each stakeholder. We also offer detailed reporting tailored to your preferences. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Family Office Services
What is a family office, and how can it benefit my family?
A family office is a centralized resource for managing the day-to-day and long-term complexities of family wealth across generations. Whittier Trust’s multifamily office offers deeply personalized service, helping you sustain your legacy while simplifying your financial life. Learn more on our Family Office Services page.
What family office services does Whittier Trust provide?
Our services include comprehensive balance sheet reviews and coordination of estate and tax planning advisors aligned with your family’s goals. We also offer in-depth insurance reviews and personalized concierge support, such as bill pay and document management. Visit our Family Office Services page to learn more.
Can Whittier Trust assist with legacy planning and governance for my family?
Yes. We help families clarify their values, prepare future stewards, and establish governance structures that support unity and continuity. Our approach is designed to preserve not only wealth, but purpose. See how we approach this on our Family Office Services page.
How do you help families manage intergenerational wealth?
We engage multiple generations through education, structured planning, and inclusive communication, helping ensure smooth transitions and long-term alignment. Our team works closely with your family to define roles, responsibilities, and shared goals. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Do you offer concierge services as part of family office management?
Yes. Our concierge services are a cornerstone of the close, personalized relationships we build with clients. These high-touch services, from bill pay to emergency support, are integrated into your broader wealth strategy to ensure seamless day-to-day support. Speak with an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Investment Management
What is your approach to portfolio management?
We take an objective, research-driven approach that emphasizes long-term value, diversification, and alignment with your goals. Our team actively manages portfolios while minimizing unnecessary complexity. Learn more about our strategy on our Investment Management page.
How do you tailor investment strategies to align with my goals?
We begin with a deep understanding of your financial needs, tax profile, risk appetite, and time horizon. Your portfolio is then built to support your long-term objectives with ongoing monitoring and proactive adjustments as life evolves. Visit our Investment Management page to learn more about how we build personalized portfolios.
What types of investment options do you provide?
Our hybrid-architecture platform allows access to a broad range of asset classes, from traditional equities and fixed income to private equity, real estate, and alternatives. We select investments based on merit, not commissions, margins, or proprietary products. Learn more on our Investment Management page.
How frequently will I receive updates on my portfolio performance?
You’ll receive detailed regular reporting and have access to your dedicated advisor for real-time updates whenever needed. Transparency and responsiveness are central to our client service model. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Estate Planning
How can Whittier Trust help with estate planning?
We work closely with you and your professional advisors in a collaborative effort to provide thoughtful strategies that protect your assets and carry out your wishes. Our team specializes in integrating legal, tax, and familial considerations. Visit our Estate Planning page to explore our approach.
What strategies do you recommend for minimizing estate tax liabilities?
We assist in the implementation of advanced techniques—including gifting strategies, advantageous trust structures, and charitable vehicles—tailored to your unique goals and tax profile. These strategies are designed to preserve wealth for future generations. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
How do you assist with creating a succession plan for my business?
We help you define a clear roadmap for leadership transition, ownership structure, and family involvement, while focused on your values. We work with your advisors to implement succession planning that is tax-efficient and integrated with your estate and wealth strategies. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Can you work with my existing attorney or tax advisor on estate matters?
Absolutely. We collaborate seamlessly with your existing team to ensure alignment across legal, tax, and financial strategies. Speak to an advisor to learn more about how we partner and coordinate with your existing team: contact us.
How do you ensure my estate plan aligns with my personal values?
We begin with in-depth conversations about your legacy, family dynamics, goals, and the state of your estate. Your financial plan is then structured to reflect those values while meeting practical needs. Learn more about our approach on our Trust Services page.
Charitable Giving
How can Whittier Trust help me create a philanthropic strategy?
We help you define your giving priorities, choose the most effective vehicles, and engage the next generation in meaningful ways. Our goal is to align your philanthropy with your values and financial goals. Learn more on the Charitable Giving page.
What are the benefits of setting up a charitable foundation or trust?
Foundations and trusts offer flexibility, control, and long-term impact for your giving, along with potential tax benefits. We manage these structures with care and expertise. Visit our Charitable Giving page for more on our services.
Can you assist with donating assets such as real estate or stocks? How do you ensure my charitable giving aligns with my financial goals?
Philanthropy is integrated into your overall wealth plan, balancing impact with financial sustainability. We help structure giving in ways that support both purpose and prudence. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
What are the tax advantages of charitable giving through Whittier Trust?
We help you leverage charitable vehicles to reduce income, estate, and capital gains taxes, while supporting the causes and organizations that matter to you. Our advisors ensure your giving strategy maximizes both generosity and efficiency. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Real Estate Investment
What types of real estate investment services does Whittier Trust offer?
We offer acquisition support, due diligence, asset management, and strategic advisory across real estate asset classes. Our team helps integrate these assets into your broader financial plan. Learn more on the Real Estate Services page.
Can you help with managing existing real estate properties?
Yes—we oversee the property managers in relation to leasing, maintenance, and cash flow for both income-generating and legacy properties. Our hands-on management relieves your administrative burden while preserving value. Visit our Real Estate Services page for more details.
How do you evaluate and advise on real estate investment opportunities?
Our team conducts rigorous analysis based on location, market trends, and your long-term objectives. We offer unbiased advice rooted in long-term performance and risk mitigation. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Do you assist with the purchase and sale of real estate assets?
Yes—we can oversee the full transaction process, from vetting opportunities to closing, while coordinating with your tax and legal advisors. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
What is your approach to maximizing returns from real estate investments?
We take a strategic view—balancing income, appreciation, and tax efficiency—while maintaining oversight. Every decision is made with your broader portfolio and goals in mind. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Personalized Client Services
What does Whittier Trust mean by “personalized client service”?
It means we listen first, then build relationships around your unique goals, family dynamics, and values. Every client receives white-glove service from a dedicated team that knows their story. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
How do you adapt your services to meet my unique financial needs?
We begin with in-depth discovery that covers our services—from investments to family office to estate review—identifying your evolving life and goals. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
What role does my dedicated advisor play in managing my accounts?
Your advisor is your primary point of contact and strategic partner, coordinating every aspect of your relationship with Whittier Trust. They’re backed by a multidisciplinary team to support you across services. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
How do you coordinate with my other advisors (attorneys, accountants, etc.)?
We take a collaborative approach, working seamlessly with your external advisors to ensure every piece of your financial picture is aligned. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
What makes Whittier Trust’s client services different from other firms?
Our clients experience the intimacy of a boutique firm with the depth of expertise usually found in larger institutions. We build enduring relationships rooted in trust, discretion, and generational insight. Speak to an advisor to learn more: contact us.
Whittier Trust
What does Whittier Trust do?
Whittier Trust is a multifamily office, providing comprehensive wealth management services, including investment management, trust and fiduciary services, family office support, philanthropy, and real estate advisory. Originating in 1935 as the Whittier family’s private office, it now serves numerous ultra-high-net-worth families across the nation. Learn more about who we are by visiting our About Page.
What is compensation like at Whittier Trust?
Compensation at Whittier Trust is competitive and varies by role, experience, and geographic location. Salary ranges are aligned with industry standards for positions in wealth management, operations, technology, and client services. For current openings and detailed compensation information, please visit our Careers page.
Who owns Whittier Trust?
Whittier Trust Company (California and Nevada) is privately held by Whittier Holdings, Inc., a closely held holding company established by the descendants of Max Whittier.
Who is the CEO of Whittier Trust?
David A. Dahl is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Whittier Trust. Mike Casey serves as Executive Chairman. Learn more about David Dahl and Mike Casey.
Where are Whittier Trust’s Locations?
Whittier Trust takes pride in being local for clients and can be found across the West Coast in Menlo Park, Newport Beach, Pasadena, Portland, Reno, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and West Los Angeles. Find a location nearest you by visiting Our Offices page.
Is Whittier Trust related to the city of Whittier, CA?
Whittier Trust is not related to the city of Whittier, CA, which is named after the poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. The wealth management firm traces its roots back to Max Whittier and his children, who founded Whittier Trust as a single-family office before it became a multifamily office in 1989. Max and his children played a significant role in the history of Southern California, including helping to develop the city of Beverly Hills. Whittier Trust carries forward the family’s legacy of stewardship, entrepreneurship, and service. Learn more about the story oF Whittier Trust by visiting Our Legacy.
Is Whittier Trust located in Whittier, CA?
While Whittier Trust is not located in the city of Whittier, we have offices nearby in Pasadena, West Los Angeles, and Newport Beach, as well as additional offices across the West Coast and Nevada, including:
- Menlo Park, CA
- Portland, OR
- Reno, NV
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
This network of offices allows us to serve clients throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, Nevada, and across the country, including those in Whittier, CA. Learn more about the location nearest you by visiting Our Offices.
To learn more or to find answers to more specific questions, we encourage you to speak to one of Whittier Trust’s professional advisors.