Case Studies
How Mariner Wealth Advisors Scaled Estate Planning Nationwide — Powered by NetLaw and Hargrove Firm
About Mariner Wealth Advisors
Mariner Wealth Advisors, founded in 2006, has grown to become a major wealth advisory firm with over 800 advisors across 44 states and Puerto Rico. Managing approximately $98.6 billion in assets, Mariner provides comprehensive wealth management services including investment management, tax planning and preparation, and estate planning. Barron’s has ranked Mariner in their top five RIAs for nine consecutive years since 2016.
The Challenge:
Delivering Estate Planning at Scale
Mariner Wealth Advisors identified an opportunity to enhance their white-glove client experience by bringing estate planning services in-house. However, regulatory constraints created obstacles for directly offering these legal services. The firm needed a solution that would:
- Provide consistent, high-quality estate planning services nationwide
- Function as a seamless extension of their brand
- Integrate with their existing technology infrastructure
- Maintain the advisor's central role in the client relationship
- Enhance their established white-glove client experience
The Solution:
A Seamless Estate Planning Platform Tailored for Mariner's Advisors
After careful evaluation of available options, Mariner selected Hargrove Firm powered by NetLaw’s online estate planning platform. Mariner’s decision created a comprehensive
solution that addressed their requirements:
- Mariner worked with NetLaw to develop custom-branded advisor and client portal experiences that maintained their visual identity and professional standards
- Mariner's IT team collaborated with NetLaw to integrate the platform with their existing identity-management system through single sign-on authentication
- Mariner incorporated their preferred corporate trustee into the platform workflow
- Mariner gained access to Hargrove Firm attorneys licensed across all states where they operate
- Mariner secured a dedicated Advanced Estate Planning Attorney from Hargrove Firm to support their advisors. This dedicated attorney works closely with hundreds of Mariner advisors, providing legal guidance and helping their clients navigate the estate planning process
- Mariner maintained their advisors' central role in the estate planning process while accessing specialized legal expertise
The Results:
Streamlined Process, Stronger Relationships
- Within months of implementation, hundreds of Mariner advisors routed their estate planning work through the platform
- Mariner has streamlined client onboarding for estate planning services
- Mariner has made the estate planning execution process more efficient and consistent
- Mariner advisors have enhanced client outcomes through collaboration with Hargrove Firm attorneys
- Mariner has reinforced their professional image and commitment to comprehensive wealth management through the branded experience
- Mariner clients benefit from the continuity of having their trusted advisor involved throughout the estate planning process
- Mariner now benefits from monthly reporting and insights into their overall referrals
- Over 42% of Mariner advisors have registered for the platform, with over 40% of those advisors referring one or more clients, demonstrating strong adoption and trust in the process
Scott Luhnau
Head of Intergenerational Wealth Planning, Mariner Wealth Advisors*
*Opinion expressed as of March 17, 2025
Conclusion:
A Scalable Estate Planning Model for Wealth Firms
Mariner Wealth Advisors demonstrated how wealth management firms can overcome regulatory challenges while enhancing client service through innovative technology solutions. By selecting NetLaw’s platform that integrated with their existing systems and brand identity, Mariner maintained control over the estate planning process while accessing specialized legal expertise from Hargrove Firm.
Mariner’s approach has improved operational efficiency and enhanced the client experience by providing a cohesive approach to wealth management that includes estate planning.
Their success highlights the value of technology solutions that respect and enhance existing client relationships while adding specialized capabilities. Wealth management firms seeking to enhance their estate planning offerings without
compromising on control or quality can learn from Mariner’s approach with NetLaw and Hargrove Firm.
The information presented in this case study represents one firm's experience and does not guarantee similar results for other organizations. Results may vary based on various factors including firm size, advisor adoption, client demographics, and implementation approach.