When should adult children begin participating in multifamily office meetings and decisions?
Adult children should join gradually when they can understand the family’s goals, responsibilities, and meeting rules. Start with education and observation. Give them a voice before granting voting power or control. Timing should depend on maturity, preparation, ownership, and the decisions involved, rather than a fixed age.
Start with education and observation
Invite adult children to selected family meetings when they can follow the discussion and respect confidentiality. Early sessions can explain the family’s history, values, assets, governance structure, decision process, and the multifamily office’s role. They can listen, ask questions, and learn how the family works together.
Add responsibility in stages
Expand participation as knowledge and judgment grow. An adult child may first attend educational sessions, then join discussions about family values, philanthropy, or investment principles. Later, the family can assign a defined project, committee role, or observer seat. Voting authority should follow preparation and an agreed governance process.
Most importantly here for everyone in the room that could save hundreds of hours is not going into meetings without an agenda. Most of the time when people reach out to you to catch up, if you haven't noticed, is to sell you something.
Use milestones, not pressure
Include adult children in relevant decisions before a transfer, sale, incapacity, or leadership change makes involvement urgent. Explain which decisions they can influence, which remain with current owners, and what information is confidential. Review the arrangement as family roles and ownership change. Some adult children may choose a non-management role.
Related guides
- Next-Generation Education for Multifamily Offices
- Family Governance With a Multifamily Office
- Access to Alternatives Through an MFO: A Practical Guide for Families