The Dow Jones Wealth Management Advisory Council has unveiled a poll of the most important—and delicate—topics for wealth managers to discuss with their clients. The survey revealed six life-changing issues that represent best practices in talking with clients, but pose the biggest challenge to initiate. These include: immature children; previous marriages; death of a spouse; differing spousal views on financial matters; uneasy retirement; and children from multiple relationships.

“Some of the most difficult times in a client’s life can also be the most critical from the perspective of wealth planning,” said Anthony DiValerio, senior vice president and financial advisor, Private Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services. “Although these times can be unsettling or even traumatic, it is a wealth manager’s duty to sit down with clients and discuss the ramifications of life events and how they fit into the larger wealth-management picture.”

The Dow Jones Wealth Management Advisory Council is an industry group dedicated to promoting the practice of wealth management, facilitating industry discussion, driving innovation and representing the needs and concerns of the profession.