When families clash over control of substantial wealth, whether in connection with the testamentary wishes of a loved one or the management of assets in an estate or trust, hiring the right fiduciary and probate litigator can make all the difference. In this episode, Partner Michael Clear sits down with Wiggin and Dana Partner and
How can you reduce taxes by removing assets from your estate? In this episode, Partner Michael Clear answers this question, highlighting several gifting strategies to shift wealth out of a taxable estate. Michael touches on strategies like making annual exclusion gifts, direct payments for tuition and medical expenses, opening 529 accounts, and creating life insurance
This memorandum is designed to outline some of the basic administrative steps to be followed by the Trustee of an irrevocable life insurance trust (hereinafter referred to as an “ILIT” or the “Trust”). When properly implemented and administered, an ILIT prevents the imposition of estate tax on any life insurance policies owned by the Trust
Art is a unique asset. A piece of artwork may have incredible personal significance to the collector and the collector’s family. It may also be a lucrative investment and a significant estate asset. In the event of a collector’s death, artwork cannot be easily divided and distributed to beneficiaries. The market value of a piece
As the new year approaches, we present our annual year-end advisory for 2024. This edition highlights noteworthy estate and gift tax changes and outlines planning opportunities for year-end and beyond. We also take a moment to recognize some of our accomplishments in 2024 and provide our outlook for the new year.
A quality education may be one of the best gifts to give a minor child or grandchild this holiday season. As the cost of education continues to increase annually, families may be contemplating various gifting strategies to accumulate funds, minimize taxes and ultimately support younger generations with their future security and education goals.
Two popular
What is Guardianship?
Guardianship is a legal arrangement whereby an individual is granted the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of another person who is deemed unable to make those decisions independently. Most commonly, this applies to minor children whose parents are deceased, but this also applies to incapacitated adults.
Guardianship law serves as
The year 2025 will bring new changes to estate and gift tax laws in the United States, with updated exemptions, rates, and regulations affecting taxpayers at both federal and state levels. As we await the 2024 general election results, it is important to stay informed about the latest updates and requirements to ensure proper planning
On the fifth episode of our speaker series, Partner Carolyn Reers explores the growing trend of high-net-worth individuals seeking residency or citizenship abroad for tax benefits and safety. She highlights popular destinations like Malta, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia for citizenship through investment, as well as Italy, Malta, Portugal, Switzerland, Greece, and Spain
Estate planning can require extra care and effort where one spouse is not a U.S. citizen. The same can be said for couples who live, work, or own property in the U.S. but neither is a U.S. citizen. These couples should be well-advised in preparing an estate plan to minimize the potential application of U.S.