UHNW families are complex systems in which the needs of the family over time may be distilled in core areas or domains.  Each domain represents a closely aligned set of needs for which a family will require attention, services, and support over the lifespan of family members. Each domain also represents a specialized area of knowledge and skills to serve those needs by experienced professionals.

The Ten Domains of Family Wealth model of the UHNW Institute offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the issues and needs facing UHNW families. The domains might be thought of as akin to primary colors with relatively pure characteristics. However, most real-world activities and topics that arise for families and service providers are a blend that draws from multiple domains, i.e., they are cross-domain topics. For example, issues related to mental incapacity in an elderly family leader with dementia may draw upon domains involving health, legal, family dynamics, financial, risk, governance, and leadership elements. Effectively integrating the needs of the family and the services by advisors in a given domain may be a central goal of family wealth management.