<prompt> Human: About a week ago I learned that one of my relatives passed away of old age. I met with his lawyer yesterday who informed me that I was the unexpected beneficiary of an eight-figure sum of money that would come from the liquidation of his estate. While I always knew that my relative set something aside for me, I never quite understood the full extent of his wealth.Im currently trying to assess what I should do next. I dont really have a finance background, I didnt grow up with a ton of money and my parents passed away when I was younger so Im not quite sure who to trust in this situation. Im inclined to retain an independent lawyer from a really good firm or to approach a reputable private bank in order to understand what Im really dealing with, but I sort of feel as if everyone is simultaneously trying to rip me off at once. I also just dont know who to contact: should I just call the most expensive law firm in my city? Should I go to JP Morgan since its the largest private bank?Having re-read this post, I know it must sound like absolute bullshit, but I would sincerely appreciate any advice. Throwaway for obvious reasons. Assistant: Hire a flat fee financial adviser with a reputation. A bank is a good place to start but dont feel like the search has to end there. When you find one, DONT blindly accept!!!. Interview two or three more with other advisors at different locations. Then decide which one seemed to have your best interests in mind and felt right. Never underestimate your gut when dealing with people.Do nothing with the money until you have talked to your adviser.Take no further advice from the Internet. We can give you a general idea of the basics but you are at the level where tax burden and insurance are serious concerns. Most of this subs advice isnt aimed at people with those concerns.Human: Hire a flat fee financial adviser with a reputation.Im a bit confused about this. A lot of the top firms seem to be based on a percentage of assets, right? How do I know what a fair fee is?Do nothing with the money until you have talked to your adviser.Im 25. I have a massive tax bill. I never thought Id ever be in this position. As far as Im concerned the only thing Im doing for the next year is starting my first term at law school.  <response>: Not fair fee, but flat fee. The advice is to avoid ANY advisor who earns money by taking a percentage of assets. Only work with a fiduciary, who charges a fee like X dollar per hour. Literally your first question should be, Are you a fiduciary. 