The Seven-Generation Planning Process

​

Are you worried that your inheritance might corrupt your children instead of bless them?

 

You've worked hard to build wealth. You've been faithful in your stewardship. But you know the statistics: 70% of wealthy families lose everything by the second generation. 90% lose it by the third.

 

It doesn't have to be this way.

 

At Legacy Plan Solutions, we partner with Christian families to design estate plans that:

​

✓ Transfer values before transferring valuables – Your children need your wisdom more than your wealth
✓ Break the "shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves" curse – Biblical strategies that preserve wealth for generations
✓ Fund the Great Commission beyond your lifetime – Your wealth can make disciples 100 years from now
✓ Develop faithful stewards, not entitled heirs – Character-building inheritance structures
✓ Create family unity, not family feuds – Clear communication that prevents conflict

​

This isn't typical estate planning. This is seven-generation Kingdom stewardship.

​

​

Schedule Your Legacy Planning Session:  

​

 

[Secondary CTA: Download Free Ebook: " _______________________

​

​

The Hidden Crisis Facing Christian Families

​

Most Christian families face a terrifying reality they don't talk about:

Their wealth is more likely to destroy their children than bless them.

Research reveals:

​

• 70% of wealth transfers fail by the second generation

• 90% of family fortunes are completely lost by the third generation

• Inherited wealth is a leading cause of broken families, addiction, and loss of faith

• Most estate plans focus on minimizing taxes while ignoring the spiritual bankruptcy of unprepared heirs

​

The "Shirt Sleeves to Shirt Sleeves" Curse

There's an old proverb: "Shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations."

 

Generation 1: Works hard, builds wealth, lives frugally
Generation 2: Enjoys the wealth, maintains some values
Generation 3: Squanders everything, back to poverty

 

This pattern has destroyed family after family throughout history.

 

Why does this happen?

 

Because traditional estate planning answers the wrong question.

 

Most advisors ask: "How do we transfer assets efficiently?"

 

The Bible asks: "How do we develop faithful stewards?"

 

Assets without stewardship = Destruction

 

Wisdom with wealth = Generational blessing

​

 

The Solution:  The Seven-Generation Legacy Framework™

 

What if your great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren were still following Jesus, still stewarding wealth biblically, and still making disciples—because of decisions you make TODAY?

​

That's not fantasy. It's the biblical model.

 

In Jeremiah 35, God commends the Rechabite family for maintaining their ancestor's values for over 250 years—approximately seven generations.

 

They succeeded because their forefather Jonadab didn't just leave them money. He left them:

• Clear VALUES to guide their decisions

• Specific STRUCTURES to preserve their way of life

• Kingdom MISSION that gave meaning beyond wealth

 

That's exactly what we help you create.

 

The Three Pillars of Seven-Generation Planning

 

Pillar 1: THE MEANING (Values Transfer)

 

What it is: Define and document your family's spiritual heritage, biblical values, and Kingdom mission
Why it matters: Your children need to know WHY you lived the way you did, not just WHAT you accumulated
What you get:

• Family Vision Statement and Constitution

• Legacy video interviews for future generations

• Values-based decision-making framework

• Spiritual heritage documentation

 

Biblical Foundation: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road." — Deuteronomy 6:6-7

 

Pillar 2: THE MECHANISM (Wealth Transfer)

 

What it is: Create sophisticated legal structures that preserve assets while preventing entitlement
Why it matters: The wrong structure can ruin your children; the right structure can develop them

 

What you get:

• Trusts for generational wealth preservation

• Character-based distribution triggers

• Asset protection strategies

• Tax-minimization structures

• Incentive trusts that reward stewardship

 

Biblical Foundation: "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." — Proverbs 21:5

​

Pillar 3: THE MISSION (Kingdom Transfer)

 

What it is: Strategic allocation of resources to advance the Great Commission beyond your lifetime

 

Why it matters: Your wealth can preach the gospel to people you'll never meet, long after your voice is silent

 

What you get:

• Charitable remainder trusts

• Private family foundations

• Donor-advised fund strategies

• Missionary support structures

• Ministry endowment planning

 

Biblical Foundation: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." — Matthew 28:19

​

​

Why Choose Legacy Plan Solutions

​

Why Christian Families Choose us for Estate Planning

​

✓ Biblical Foundation, Not Just Financial Strategy

​

We don't just ask "How do we minimize taxes?" We ask "How do we honor God with what He's entrusted to us?"

Every recommendation is grounded in Scripture. Every strategy reflects Kingdom values. Every structure serves eternal purposes.

​

Other advisors optimize for wealth transfer. We optimize for faithful stewardship.

​

✓ Seven-Generation Thinking

 

Most estate planners think one generation ahead (maybe two).

We help you think SEVEN generations ahead—following the biblical model of the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35.

Your great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren matter to God. They should matter to your estate plan.

 

✓ Character Development, Not Just Asset Protection

 

We believe preparing heirs is more important than preparing inheritances.

 

That's why our plans include:

• Incentive structures that reward work ethic and stewardship

• Distribution triggers based on character milestones, not just age

• Educational requirements and mentorship components

• Faith-based accountability measures

​

We help you develop disciples, not just distribute dollars.

​

✓ Great Commission Integration

​

Your wealth can make disciples long after you can't.

 

We specialize in creating charitable structures that:

• Fund missionaries in perpetuity

• Support church planting for generations

• Finance Bible translation projects

• Partner with Kingdom ministries strategically

 

Your estate can preach the gospel 100 years from now.

 

✓ Family Unity Focus

 

Estate planning often tears families apart. Ours brings them together.

 

Through our family communication process:

• Heirs understand your heart, not just your will

• Expectations are clear without creating entitlement

• Conflicts are prevented through transparency

• Values are transferred before valuables

 

We create clarity, not confusion. Unity, not division.

 

✓ Comprehensive Expertise

 

Estate planning intersects with:

• Trust law

• Business law

• Charitable giving regulations

• Asset protection strategies

 

We coordinate all of it, so nothing falls through the cracks.

​

✓ Personal Service, Not Factory Production

 

You're not a number to us. You're a family with a unique calling.

• Direct access to senior advisors (not junior associates)

• Customized strategies (not cookie-cutter templates)

• Ongoing relationship (not one-time transaction)

• Family coaching (not just legal documents)

​

We're your partners in seven-generation stewardship.

 

Our Story: 

​

We were founded on a simple conviction:

​

The $68 trillion wealth transfer happening over the next 25 years is either history's greatest opportunity to complete the Great Commission—or history's greatest waste.

 

We watched too many Christian families:

• Build wealth faithfully, only to see it destroy their children

• Create estate plans that preserved assets but lost family unity

• Minimize taxes brilliantly while missing Kingdom opportunities

• Leave legal documents behind but no spiritual legacy

 

We knew there had to be a better way.

 

A biblical way.

 

So we created the Seven-Generation Legacy Framework™—a comprehensive approach to estate planning that:

• Starts with Scripture, not just statutes

• Develops stewards, not just heirs

• Funds the Great Commission, not just retirement

• Thinks eternally about temporary resources

 

Today, we serve Christian families across Florida who want their wealth to echo into eternity.

 

Our Mission

 

To equip Christian families with biblical estate planning that transforms generational wealth into generational faithfulness—advancing the Great Commission for seven generations and beyond.

 

We believe:

• Everything belongs to God; we're stewards, not owners

• Wealth is a test of faithfulness, not a sign of blessing

• The best inheritance includes wisdom with wealth

• Your estate plan is your final act of worship

• Kingdom impact matters more than tax minimization

 

Our Values

 

1. Scripture Over Strategy: The Bible guides our approach, not just market trends or legal loopholes. If it violates biblical principles, we won't recommend it—regardless of tax savings.

 

2. Stewardship Over Accumulation:  We measure success by faithfulness, not net worth. The goal isn't to die with the most wealth—it's to steward well what God has entrusted.

 

3. Generational Thinking Over Short-Term Optimization We plan for seven generations, not just seven years. Your great-great-grandchildren matter.

 

4. Character Development Over Asset Protection: Developing your children's faith and stewardship matters more than protecting your assets from creditors.

 

5. Kingdom Impact Over Personal Legacy: It's not about making your name great—it's about making God's name great through how you steward resources.

 

6. Family Unity Over Legal Efficiency:  We'd rather create a slightly less "efficient" plan that keeps your family united than a "perfect" plan that tears them apart.

​

FAQ Section

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Biblical Estate Planning

 

Q: What makes biblical estate planning different from regular estate planning?

 

A: Traditional estate planning focuses primarily on minimizing taxes and distributing assets efficiently. Biblical estate planning starts with a different question: "How do we steward what God has given us in a way that honors Him, develops our children's faith, and advances His Kingdom?"

​

We integrate spiritual values into legal structures. We prepare heirs, not just inheritances. We design plans that fund the Great Commission beyond your lifetime. The legal tools may be similar, but the philosophy and purpose are completely different.

 

Q: Don't I need to be wealthy to need estate planning?

 

A: Absolutely not. If you:

• Own a home

• Have retirement accounts (401k, IRA, etc.)

• Carry life insurance

• Have minor children

• Own a business

• Care about who raises your kids if something happens to you

...then you need estate planning.

 

Estate planning isn't about wealth level—it's about stewardship level. Even modest estates require proper planning to avoid probate, protect children, and ensure biblical stewardship.

 

Q: What's the "shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves" curse, and how do you prevent it?

 

A: It's a proverb that describes how most family wealth is lost within three generations:

• Generation 1 (Shirt sleeves): Works hard, builds wealth from nothing

• Generation 2: Enjoys the wealth, maintains some values

• Generation 3: Squanders everything, back to poverty (shirt sleeves)

 

Research confirms this: 70% of wealth transfers fail by generation 2; 90% fail by generation 3.

Why it happens: Assets are transferred without stewardship training. Children receive wealth they didn't earn, don't understand, and aren't prepared to manage.

 

How we prevent it:

1. Values transfer before wealth transfer (Pillar 1: The Meaning)

2. Character-based distribution structures that require demonstrated stewardship (Pillar 2: The Mechanism)

3. Heir development programs that prepare children spiritually and financially

4. Incentive trusts that reward education, work ethic, and biblical values

5. Family governance systems that maintain accountability across generations

​

We don't just protect assets from creditors—we protect children from themselves.

 

Q: How can my estate fund the Great Commission after I'm gone?

 

A: Through strategic charitable structures built into your estate plan:

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs):

• You receive income during your lifetime

• Remainder goes to ministry/missions at death

• Tax deduction now; Kingdom impact later

 

Private Family Foundations:

• Create a perpetual giving entity

• Your children serve as trustees

• Funds missions/ministries forever

• Teaches next generation about generosity

 

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs):

• Simple, low-cost alternative to private foundation

• Immediate tax deduction

• Recommend grants to ministries over time

• Can continue after your death through successor advisors

 

Endowment Structures:

• Fund specific missionaries in perpetuity

• Support church planting indefinitely

• Finance Bible translation for generations

• Partner with ministries long-term

 

Real example: One widow in our church created a CRT that has funded Bible translation for 50+ years after her death. Her wealth is still making disciples.

​

That's what's possible when you think eternally about temporary resources.

 

Q: Will your estate planning cause family conflict about unequal distributions?

 

A: Our approach actually prevents family conflict through:

 

1. Clear Communication: We facilitate conversations where you explain your WHY—not just your WHAT. When children understand your heart and values, they're less likely to resent decisions.

 

2. Values-Based Decision Making: Instead of "equal" (which may not be fair), we help you make equitable decisions based on:

• Each child's needs and circumstances

• Demonstrated stewardship capacity

• Calling and Kingdom assignment

• Special needs or challenges

​

3. Family Unity Focus: We design structures that:

• Encourage collaboration, not competition

• Reward stewardship, not just age

• Maintain accountability

• Preserve relationships

 

4. Legacy Letters: You write personal letters explaining your decisions, expressing your love, and sharing your vision—removing misunderstanding.

 

Research shows that estate plans with clear communication and values explanation result in significantly less family conflict, even with unequal distributions.

 

Q: What happens if I already have an estate plan?

 

A: We offer Estate Plan Review Services for existing plans. We'll:

✓ Review your current documents for legal adequacy
✓ Assess whether they reflect biblical stewardship principles
✓ Identify gaps in Great Commission integration
✓ Evaluate heir preparation strategies
✓ Check for tax law changes that affect your plan
✓ Provide written recommendations

 

Common findings:

• Plans lack values transfer (just legal documents)

• No charitable giving strategies

• Distribution structures create entitlement

• Outdated due to tax law changes

• No family communication component

 

Many clients discover their "estate plan" is actually just legal paperwork—missing the meaning, mission, and development components that prevent the shirtsleeves curse.

 

Schedule Estate Plan Review:   _________________

 

 

Q: Do you work with other advisors (financial planners, CPAs, insurance agents)?

A: Absolutely. We believe in collaborative planning.

 

Estate planning intersects with:

• Financial planning

• Investment management

• Tax planning

• Insurance strategies

• Business succession

• Charitable giving

 

We coordinate with your existing team:

• CPAs (tax implications)

• Financial Advisors (investment titling, beneficiary designations)

• Insurance Agents (life insurance trust funding)

• Business Attorneys (succession planning)

• Ministry Leaders (charitable partnerships)

 

Or we can introduce you to trusted professionals who share our biblical values if you don't have a team yet.

 

Team-based planning produces better results than siloed planning.

 

Q: How long does the estate planning process take?

 

A: Typical timeline: 2-3 weeks from initial consultation to signed documents.

 

Complex estates (multiple businesses, significant charitable components, large asset bases) may take 3-6 months.

 

Rush services available for urgent situations (terminal illness, major transactions, etc.)

 

Important: We don't rush the VALUES work. Seven-generation planning requires thoughtful reflection, prayer, and family conversations. We won't sacrifice quality for speed.

​

Q: What if my spouse and I disagree about the plan?

 

A: Spousal alignment is critical. That's why our Vision Clarity Session is designed to:

1. Surface disagreements early (before drafting documents)

2. Facilitate biblical discussion about stewardship priorities

3. Find common ground on core values

4. Create unified vision both spouses own

 

Common disagreements:

• How much to leave children vs. charity

• Equal vs. equitable distributions

• When/how to tell children about inheritance

• Level of control vs. freedom for heirs

 

Our role: We're neutral facilitators who help you think biblically and communicate clearly—not advocates for one spouse's position.

 

If consensus can't be reached: We may recommend Christian marriage counseling or pastoral guidance before proceeding. A divided estate plan reflects a divided marriage—that needs healing first.

 

Q: Can you help with business succession planning?

 

A: Yes. Many of our clients are business owners facing questions like:

• Should I pass the business to my kids or sell it?

• How do I treat children who work in the business vs. those who don't?

• What if my kids aren't capable of running it?

• How do I fund my retirement without killing the business?

• What's the tax-efficient way to transfer ownership?

 

Our business succession services include:

• Buy-Sell Agreement design

• Key person insurance strategies

• Ownership transition planning

• Management succession

• Family employment policies

• ESOP evaluation

• Sale vs. transfer analysis

 

Biblical questions we help you answer:

• Is this business part of our family's Kingdom calling?

• Should we keep it in the family or steward the proceeds elsewhere?

• How do we treat all children fairly when only some work here?

• What values must the next generation maintain?

 

We integrate business succession into your overall seven-generation legacy plan.

 

Q: What if I want to disinherit a child?

 

A: This is emotionally difficult and requires careful consideration.

Biblical perspective:

• Proverbs 13:22 says "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children"

• But this assumes children are living responsibly

• The prodigal son parable shows both grace and consequences

 

Common reasons clients consider disinheritance:

• Addiction or substance abuse

• Estrangement or broken relationship

• Poor stewardship demonstrated

• Rejection of family values/faith

• Concern wealth would enable destructive behavior

 

Alternative approaches to full disinheritance:

1. Delayed Distribution: Leave inheritance in trust with:

• Sobriety requirements

• Counseling completion triggers

• Demonstrated responsibility milestones

2. Reduced Amount: Smaller share reflecting concern, not total exclusion

3. Conditional Gifts: Inheritance contingent on specific behaviors/achievements

4. Third-Party Trustee: Professional management for child who can't manage money

5. Charity Replacement: Their share goes to Kingdom causes

 

Our approach: We help you think through:

• Whether this truly honors God

• If there are protective alternatives

• How to communicate this decision

• Whether reconciliation is possible

• What message this sends to other children

 

We never recommend disinheritance lightly. It's a last resort after prayer, counsel, and exhausting other options.

 

 

Schedule Confidential Strategy Session: ___________________

​

Free Resources for Christian Estate Planning

​​

Free Webinar: "Estate Planning for Christian Families"

 

A 60-minute video training on biblical stewardship

In this webinar, you'll discover:

• The biblical foundation for estate planning

• How to think seven generations ahead

• Structures that develop stewards, not just heirs

• Tax-advantaged Kingdom giving strategies

• Q&A with our lead estate planner

 

[Register for Webinar]

 

The Christian Family Legacy Planner

Free e-book

• How do Christian families create an estate plan that reflects their biblical values and protects future generations?

• What documents do you actually need to avoid probate, protect your children, and prepare for incapacity in Florida?

• How can you leave an inheritance without creating confusion, conflict, or entitlement within your family?

• What does the Bible really say about stewardship, wealth, inheritance, and leaving a godly legacy?

• How can your estate plan help preserve family unity, transfer wisdom, and continue supporting Kingdom impact after your lifetime?

​

Living a Legacy That Honors God

Free e-book

• What does it truly mean to build a biblical legacy — even if you do not have children?

• How can Christians use their time, influence, finances, business, and relationships for lasting Kingdom impact?

• What are the 7 pillars of a Christ-centered legacy that outlives wealth and worldly success?

• How do faithful believers pass down wisdom, values, generosity, and spiritual influence to future generations?

• What practical steps can you take today to align your life, stewardship, and estate planning with the Great Commission?

​

​

Blog Section Preview

Estate Planning Insights & Biblical Stewardship

​

[Display 3 most recent blog posts with featured images, titles, excerpts, and "Read More" buttons]

​​

Featured Post: "The Rechabite Legacy: What 250 Years of Faithfulness Teaches Us About Estate Planning" Discover how one family in Jeremiah 35 maintained their values for seven generations—and how you can do the same... [Read More →]

 

Recent Posts:

• "Why 'Fair' Isn't Always 'Faithful' in Inheritance Planning"

• "How Your Estate Can Fund Missionaries for 100 Years"

• "The Trust Structure That Prevents Entitled Heirs"

 

[View All Articles Button]

 

Testimonials Section

 

What Christian Families Are Saying

"Cynthia Arevalo helped us transform our estate plan from legal paperwork into a Kingdom legacy." — Carl & Rosy, Retirees, Plantation, Florida

​

"We came to the office thinking we just needed a will. We left with a seven-generation vision for our family. They helped us see that estate planning isn't about death—it's about life and legacy. Our children now understand that they're stewards of what God has entrusted to them, not owners who can squander it. Best decision we ever made."— Robert & Jennifer K., Business Owners, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

​

"Finally, an estate planner who starts with Scripture instead of just tax code. Every other advisor we consulted focused exclusively on minimizing estate taxes. That matters, but it's not the most important thing. The attorney asked us about our faith, our values, and our vision for our grandchildren. They designed a plan that honors God first and saves taxes second. That's the right order."  — Dr. Michael T., Physician, Hollywood, Florida

​

"They prevented what could have been a devastating family divide. We had unequal inheritance situations—one child in the family business, one with special needs, one who'd walked away from faith. They helped us navigate these complexities with biblical wisdom and legal expertise. The family communication process they facilitated was uncomfortable but necessary. Our children understand our decisions and our hearts. No resentment. No confusion. Just clarity and love."  — Pastor David & Susan M., Miramar, Florida

​

"Our wealth is now funding the Great Commission—forever.  We always gave to missions, but they showed us how our ESTATE could keep giving after we're gone. We set up a charitable remainder trust that provides us income now and will fund Bible translation in perpetuity after we die. We're literally investing in eternity. This changed how we view everything we own."  — James & Carol R., Franchise Entrepreneurs, Hallandale, Florida

​

"The heir development component is worth more than the legal documents. Honestly, the trusts strategies were valuable. But the REAL value was the work they did with our children. They helped us communicate our values, set expectations without creating entitlement, and develop our kids' stewardship muscles. Our 20-year-old son now talks about being a 'faithful steward of what God has entrusted.' That's priceless." — Thomas W., Tech-Executive, Boca Raton, Florida

​

​

Ready to Build Your Seven-Generation Legacy?

​

Your next step is simple:

​

Schedule your personal Strategy Session where we'll:

✓ Explore how biblical stewardship applies to your family
✓ Discuss seven-generation thinking for YOUR unique calling
✓ Answer all your questions and receive a quote for the services you need.  No hidden costs.

​

No obligation. No pressure. Just clarity.

​

Because the truth is: You're not going to take your wealth with you.

 

But you CAN send it ahead—invested in your children's faith, your grandchildren's character, and the Great Commission's completion.

 

That's what we help you do.

 

 

Schedule Your Strategy Session Today

​

Or download our free guide:

 

[Secondary CTA Button: register for our free webinar]

​

​

Contact Us today

​

Office Location:

4100 Hollywood Blvd.

2nd Floor - Suite 201

Hollywood, FL 33021

 

Phone: 954-367-2327
Email: Info@ArevaloLaw.com

​

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday-Sunday: Closed

 

Virtual Consultations Available. We serve clients throughout Florida via secure video conferencing.

 

Mailing Address: 

AREVALO LAW PA

P.O. BOX 813115

HOLLYWOOD, FL 33081

 

Contact Form

Schedule Your Strategy Session Today​​