Serving Families Through Advisor-Friendly Trusts with Jonathan Connolly and Christopher Holtby

If your clients rely on trust planning, the fiduciary relationship has to be more than technically correct. It has to be responsive, collaborative, and clear. In this episode of Judicial Dollars and Cents, you hear from Christopher Holtby and Jonathan Connolly of Wealth Advisors Trust Company about what it means to build an advisor-friendly trust company. They share how the firm was created during the financial crisis, why responsiveness matters so much in fiduciary work, and how attorneys and financial advisors can collaborate with a trustee without losing the client relationship. You will learn how the right trust company relationship can support estate attorneys, financial advisors, beneficiaries, and families through complex planning decisions. Christopher and Jonathan also discuss AI in a regulated fiduciary environment, South Dakota trust advantages, directed trust structures, generational planning, and why families often need more than a commodity trustee relationship. Watch this episode of Judicial Dollars and Cents: Serving Families Through Advisor-Friendly Trusts with Jonathan Connolly and Christopher Holtby Key points: 00:00 Introduction to Christopher Holtby and Jonathan Connolly 01:46 How Wealth Advisors Trust Company started during the financial crisis 04:32 Jonathan Connolly's path into personal trust and fiduciary strategy 07:32 What advisor-friendly really means in trust work 09:05 The ideal attorney and advisor profile for Wealth Advisors Trust Company 11:12 How AI fits inside a regulated fiduciary business 12:45 Why human connection still matters in trust administration 15:20 How trust company fees are structured 18:42 Why South Dakota’s directed trust laws stand out 20:31 Generational planning, family harmony, and letters of wishes 22:31 How states are competing for trust business 28:34 How to connect with Wealth Advisors Trust Company Jonathan Connolly is chairman, president, and COO of Wealth Advisors Trust Company, bringing more than 30 years of financial and fiduciary experience in trust and estate services. Li:   / jonathan-connolly-aif%c2%ae-atfa-18bb2034   Christopher Holtby is the co-founder and chief fiduciary strategist of Wealth Advisors Trust Company, an advisor-friendly trust company headquartered in South Dakota and serving advisors and clients nationwide. Li:   / christopherholtby   Connect with Christopher Holtby, Jonathan Connolly, and Wealth Advisors Trust Company: Website: https://wealthadvisorstrust.com/ LinkedIn:   / wealth-advisors-trust-company-south-dakota...   Facebook:   / wealthadvisorstrust   YouTube:    / @southdakotatrust   Judicial Dollars and Cents, a podcast hosted by Anders Partner and Virtual CFO, John Scott, focuses on helping law firms win high-stakes cases with smarter financial strategy. The show breaks down the key metrics, financial frameworks, and decision-making systems that drive stronger case outcomes and firm performance. Website: https://anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/... TikTok:   / jdc.vcfo   Instagram:  / jdc.vcfo   John C. Scott, CPA, AEP, is a Partner in Tax and a leader in legal industry financial strategy by Anders. He helps law firms win high-stakes cases with smart strategy by delivering clear financial insights, identifying key performance indicators, and strengthening decision-making at every level. With deep expertise in estate planning and financial analysis, John works closely with attorneys and firm leaders to align financial goals with long-term business success and case readiness. His approach brings scalability, flexibility, and data-driven clarity to complex legal environments, helping firms stay focused, prepared, and competitive. Connect with John C. Scott: LI:   / john-c-scott-cpa   X: https://x.com/JohnScottCPA