Photo of Michael T. Clear

Michael is the Chair of our Private Client Services Department where he leads our group of over 30 lawyers and allied professionals.  As a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services Department, Michael regularly counsels clients on the far-reaching financial implications of estate planning, estate and trust administration, probate litigation, and business succession planning. Yet he is also a trained counselor with insight into the family dynamics these matters can effect. Known for his empathy and good humor, he helps clients take prudent action in the face of indecision, hopefully resolving contested issues before litigation. He is also a member of wiggin(x).

Ready to kick off the New Year and make good on all those estate planning resolutions? On this first episode of 2024, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear highlight the estate planning opportunities resulting from changes in estate, gift and generation-skipping tax exemptions and discuss why 2024 is a good year to consider making big

As we wrap up 2023, let us take a look back at some of the important estate planning topics that were discussed throughout the year. Our Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear and their distinguished guests shared their expertise on a wide range of subjects, including Using Trusts for Your BeneficiariesSLATsEstate

On this episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear sit down with Helen Heintz to discuss the intricacies of prenuptial agreements. From the nuances of defining separate and marital property to navigating potential pitfalls, they review the complexities and importance of prenups in protecting wealth. Helen also sheds light

For many, pets are part of their family like any other family member, sometimes more so. That said, who cares for your pets after your death, and what money can be set aside for their support? Questions like these are addressed on this episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” where Partners Erin Nicholls

For many potential home buyers, purchasing a home can be daunting, especially in today’s housing market. It is often a huge financial burden, and many will need some assistance to close the deal. On this episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss several available options to assist with

There has been a longstanding effort globally and a lot of pressure on the United States to implement some sort of registry on a federal level for ownership of small and mid-sized entities. On today’s episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear chat with Partner Carolyn Reers about the

Funding education at any level can be a large expense and may require a lot of advanced planning. In this episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss key strategies for funding educational expenses. They explore various options, including the direct payment of tuition, 529 educational funding plans, and

Trustees behaving badly? In this episode of “Future Focused,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss trusts and mechanisms available for a trust beneficiary to remove a trustee. From understanding the roles of trustees and educating beneficiaries to exploring communication breakdowns, compromise options, and even judicial routes, Michael and Erin provide expert insights and strategies

In this episode of “Future Focused,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear discuss the operation of family foundations as a wealth planning strategy. They highlight the trade-offs between donor advised funds and private foundations, focusing on the annual requirements of private foundations. They cover topics such as federal reporting, the 5% minimum distribution requirement, state-level