Family Harbor — FAQ
Getting started
What is Family Harbor, in one sentence?
A simple way to get your legacy planning documents organized in your Google Drive with a guided checklist and gentle email reminders.
Do I need a Google account?
Yes. We set up an organized folder inside your Google Drive so you keep ownership and control at all times. If you don’t have an account, we’ll point you to Google’s free signup.
What exactly do you set up for me?
A private “Master Folder” with labeled subfolders (IDs, insurance, will/trust, beneficiaries, assets, healthcare, etc.) plus a checklist that links to that folder so you can track progress.
Can I invite family members or my attorney/financial planner?
Yes. You decide who sees what by sharing individual Drive folders/files (view or edit) and, if you’d like, your checklist/progress. We recommend view-only for most collaborators.
Privacy & security
Do you store my documents?
No. Files live in your Google Drive. The checklist tracks titles/status, not sensitive numbers.
Do you need my bank logins or SSN?
No—we never ask for bank logins or SSNs.
How are emails secured?
We authenticate outgoing mail (SPF/DKIM/DMARC) and use HTTPS links. (Your email provider may still filter early messages until reputation builds.)
Can I revoke access later?
Yes. Because storage is in your Drive, you can remove anyone’s access anytime in Google’s sharing settings.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No. We provide organization and education—not legal, tax, or investment advice. We can refer you to professionals.
Plans, timing, and what happens after
What’s included in the 30-day Legacy Planning package?
- Organized Master Folder in your Drive
- Interactive checklist with recommended items & optional due dates
- Four weekly progress emails
- Quick education guides
- Email support
(You can add a 30-day extension for $50 if you need more time.)
What happens after 30 days?
You keep lifetime access to your Drive workspace. Email reminders and checklist access pause unless you add an extension.
Can I go at my own pace?
Yes. The 30-day flow is a suggested cadence. Many families finish key items within a month; more complex items can take longer.
What if I don’t have a will yet?
Start by organizing IDs, beneficiaries, and assets. When you’re ready, you can book an attorney/CFP; you’ll arrive prepared.
Using Google Drive safely
How do I share a folder safely?
Use Drive’s “Share” → add viewer/editor by email → prefer “Viewer” for advisors; avoid “Anyone with link.” Turn on 2-Step Verification in your Google account.
Can I see what’s been uploaded at a glance?
Yes—the checklist tracks statuses and links to your Master Folder. Your weekly digest summarizes what changed.
What files can I upload?
PDFs, images, scans, and Google Docs/Sheets. For paper originals, scan and keep the paper in a safe place.
Support & edge cases
What kind of support is included?
Email support during your package window for setup and basic workflow questions.
What if I share the wrong thing or with the wrong person?
Adjust sharing in Drive immediately; you can remove access in one click. If something looks risky, change your Google password and ensure 2-Step Verification is on.
What countries do you support?
We’re U.S.-focused today. Many organizational concepts are universal; for local legal questions, use a licensed professional.
Family Harbor — FAQ (for Professionals)
What Family Harbor does (and doesn’t)
What is Family Harbor in a practice setting?
A light-lift way for clients to arrive organized: we create a Drive-based folder framework and a checklist that reduces document chasing and shortens cycle times.
Is this a replacement for my DMS or firm portal?
No. It’s pre-work organization in the client’s Drive. Use it alongside your DMS/portal.
Do you ever hold client documents?
No. Files remain in the client’s Drive; you’re invited with least-privilege access as needed.
Collaboration & “advisor seats”
How do I see a client’s materials?
Client shares Drive folders/files with you (view or edit). They may optionally share read-only checklist/progress.
What’s an “advisor seat”?
A free login for one named professional per client during the client’s active package so you can view progress resources and our how-to guides. (No document custody.)
Can we customize the folder blueprint?
Light customization is fine (e.g., add “Firm Intake” subfolder). We avoid deep structural changes to keep things intuitive for clients.
Compliance, conflicts, and referrals
Conflicts/fees/referrals—what’s allowed?
Family Harbor does not share revenue with attorneys in jurisdictions where fee-splitting is prohibited. You may (a) recommend FH with no compensation, or (b) accept a non-contingent promotional credit (e.g., a comped advisor seat) that isn’t tied to matter outcomes. For paid referrals, follow your jurisdiction’s rules and firm policy.
Who owns the data?
The client. You receive access by invitation only; they can revoke access anytime.
Will FH email my client?
Yes—setup confirmations and weekly summaries (if enabled). We use authenticated email (SPF/DKIM/DMARC) and HTTPS links.
Workflow fit
When should I recommend FH?
- New-to-planning households needing structure
- Families consolidating scattered documents
- Pre-engagement prep before a will/trust meeting
- After life events (marriage/divorce/new child/home/surgery/travel)
What do I get from a prepared client?
Fewer document requests, less back-and-forth, and a cleaner record bundle for advice or drafting.
How do I use it in a meeting (“Review Day”)?
Open the client’s Master Folder and checklist side-by-side. Confirm identity docs, beneficiaries, insurance, and a rough asset list. Note gaps and next steps; assign who will upload what by when.
Practicalities
Pricing—who pays?
Commonly the client pays. If your firm prefers to sponsor the package, you can buy on their behalf and have us provision the setup invite.
What about non-Google clients?
We’re Drive-first today. If a client insists on Dropbox/OneDrive, contact us; we can advise on a manual adaptation.
Can you co-brand materials?
Yes. We can provide a one-page client prep handout co-branded with your logo to explain FH and how to share safely.
Security quick answers
- Files remain in the client’s Google Drive; you’re invited with least-privilege access.
- No bank logins or SSNs requested by FH.
- Authenticated email (SPF/DKIM/DMARC); HTTPS links.
- Clients can revoke access at any time.