A CFP professional is contacted by a lawyer requesting financial details of a deceased client's estate to assist with probate. The client's will does not explicitly grant permission for such disclosure. What action should the professional take?

Question: A CFP professional is contacted by a lawyer requesting financial details of a deceased client's estate to assist with probate. The client's will does not explicitly grant permission for such disclosure. What action should the professional take?

Answer options: ✅ Require legal documentation, such as a court order or executor authorization, before disclosing any information.

• Disclose the information immediately to facilitate the probate process.
• Refuse to disclose any information, citing client confidentiality.
• Provide only aggregated, non-specific financial information to the lawyer.

Correct answer: Require legal documentation, such as a court order or executor authorization, before disclosing any information.

Explanation: Client confidentiality extends beyond death. The professional must obtain proper legal authorization, such as from the estate's executor with proof of appointment, or a court order, before disclosing confidential information.