Family Office Planning OS (US)

Most families do not need more advice. They need a system that turns values into repeatable decisions. A Family Office Planning OS is that system: governance, clarity, and a shared record of what matters.

Last reviewed: January 16, 2026.

Key takeaways

• The OS is not a legal document. It is how the family makes decisions.
• It reduces friction by making roles, priorities, and trade-offs explicit.
• The system is only valuable if it is used every quarter.

What the planning OS actually is

A planning OS is a lightweight operating system for decisions. It connects purpose, rules, and execution so everyone works from the same context. It sits above legal documents and below day-to-day tasks.

What it includes

1. Purpose and values. Why the wealth exists and what it is for.
2. Decision rules. Who decides, how votes work, and what requires consensus.
3. Strategy map. The short list of priorities for the next 12 months.
4. Documentation. The evidence behind key decisions and assumptions.
5. Rhythm. A cadence for review and updates (quarterly is typical).

When you need it

• More than one generation is involved in decisions.
• Multiple advisors are giving input without shared context.
• Family meetings happen, but decisions do not stick.
• You have complexity across entities, real estate, or trusts.

A simple quarterly workflow

• Review the last 90 days of decisions and outcomes.
• Confirm anchor priorities for the next quarter.
• Update key assumptions (tax, liquidity, liquidity events).
• Publish a one-page summary for advisors and family members.

Decision checklist

• Can the family explain the purpose in one sentence?
• Are decision rights clear enough to avoid bottlenecks?
• Is there a single source of truth for documents and assumptions?
• Do you have a quarterly review cadence on the calendar?

Questions to ask your advisor

• What decisions are we making without shared context right now?
• Which documents or assumptions are outdated?
• What is the next highest-leverage governance update?

Related tools

• Family Office Blueprint
• Family Constitution Starter
• Vault
• Play Builder

Next step

Start with the Family Office Blueprint to turn values into a structured, shareable plan.

Compliance note

This guide is for planning and coordination only. It does not provide legal or investment advice. Confirm decisions with qualified professionals.