From advocating for clients in the courtroom to advising families on their financial future, Patrick Kilbane says there is one common thread that has stayed with his career – relationships and trust.
AALM: Patrick, tell us about the decision to leave the practice of family law to transition to wealth advising.
PK: I spent many years litigating high-net-worth divorce cases, and I genuinely loved family law. Over time, I realized my clients were confronting questions beyond the legal, questions about their future – could they retire? Afford a new home? Support their children or maintain their standard of living after divorce?
I spent just as much time discussing financial planning as I did legal issues. I realized the financial decisions made during and after a divorce often have consequences that last far longer than the litigation itself.
The transition to wealth advising was driven by a desire to remain in the service of families during these pivotal moments while helping them build confidence and clarity about their financial future. In many ways, I didn’t leave family law; I simply changed seats at the table.
AALM: You now lead the divorce advisory group at Ullmann Wealth Partners. Tell us about this role in the process.
PK: Having sat in countless mediations, depositions, and trials, I understand the emotional dynamics of divorce and the difficult decisions people are asked to make under tremendous stress. I know where financial mistakes often occur and help clients think through the long-term implications of those decisions before they become permanent.
What I enjoy most about this role is that I get to be proactive rather than reactive. Instead of looking backward and arguing about what happened, I get to help clients look forward and build a plan for what’s next.
Perhaps most rewarding is that my relationship with clients doesn’t end when the final judgment is entered. In wealth advising, I have the privilege of walking alongside clients as they rebuild, pursue new opportunities, and ultimately thrive.
AALM: Can you tell us about any clients who have stood out?
PK: The cases that stay with me are not necessarily the largest or most financially complex. They are the ones where a person genuinely believes their life has been permanently derailed. Divorce often creates fear about the future, particularly when someone has not managed the family’s finances.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping people realize that while divorce may represent the end of one chapter, it is often the beginning of another. Helping someone regain confidence and see possibilities where they once saw only uncertainty is something I never take for granted.
AALM: You serve as the firm’s general counsel. What do you enjoy most about it?
PK: As general counsel, I work closely with our advisors and leadership team to identify opportunities, manage risk, navigate regulatory issues, and help the firm make thoughtful decisions that support long-term growth.
I enjoy having a seat at the table where business decisions are made, where I can contribute to the firm’s broader vision and culture.
AALM: Looking ahead, what are your goals?
PK: My primary goal is to continue building one of the premier independent registered investment advisory practices in the country and to be the go-to firm nationwide for divorce advisory services. Divorce is one of the most financially consequential events a person can experience.
I also hope to continue writing, speaking, and educating professionals and consumers about the financial complexities of divorce. There is a real need for interdisciplinary collaboration in this space.
AALM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
PK: I feel incredibly fortunate that my career has allowed me to serve people in two professions that are fundamentally about helping others. At the end of the day, the numbers matter, the legal documents matter, and the strategy matters. But what matters most is helping people navigate difficult moments with clarity, confidence, and the belief that their best days can still lie ahead.
www.ullmannwealthpartners.com
