Financial Planners after a passing

[JimNasium]

My friend’s father recently passed away suddenly (from a tick bite. Be careful out there outdoorsy people), and my friend set up an appointment with a financial advisor to set up a plan for her mother. I’m a little bit worried that this could be an industry rife with scams/bad contracts that thrive on taking advantage of people in vulnerable situations. Does anyone have any experience with this, or any advice? The only advice I gave was to try to talk to two or three different advisors and compare the plans.

[Ori]

I wonder why do they need a plan from an advisor anyway? Can't they do the math themselves? How much she earns, spends and think about what to do with the difference?
As for the advisors, I have an experience talking with two, when I was just starting with investing. Both told me that I don't need any insurance. However, after that one of them tried to sell me some offshore investments, and the other one told me that I don't really need his services because I seem to be on the right track already. So yes, if they are determined on talking with advisors, it's better to talk with more than one.

[RetireJapan]

If they go through here they will get an independent fiduciary planner at least: https://www.jafp.or.jp/

[Tkydon]

Not necessary to share here, but answers to these questions would influence the answers considerably.

Japanese? Foreign? Nationality? Of the Father and Mother?
How old is the mother?
Location? Japan? Overseas?
If foreign, what are the mother's plans for the future? Remain in Japan? Return to her home country? Go to live somewhere else?
What help are they looking for?
Do they need help in Japanese or English?
Do they need help with the Inheritance Taxes?
Do they need help with Estate Planning?
Do they need help with Investment Planning?

And the most important, How much money does she have?
This all important question will heavily dictate the options open to your friend's mother now and in the future.

Free Advice is not free. (Except what is available here, of course...)
The Adviser will be making money in commissions of his/her sales, so keep that in mind. What and Why am I being sold this?