“I notice that your account does not have a beneficiary listed, would you like to list one now? Listing a beneficiary can avoid the expense and delay of probate.”
This is a question more and more of our clients are being asked (and encouraged to prepare) by representatives at financial institutions. However, for many of our
In the latest podcast episode, host Michael Clear introduces the “Future Focused: Private Wealth Insights” blog, a platform designed to help optimize and protect your financial future. Explore domestic and international estate planning strategies, tax optimization, and more, with regularly updated content to keep you informed about the latest trends and developments. Visit www.privatewealthinsights.com to
Sometimes, a Trustee of an irrevocable trust needs guidance on properly administrating a trust or seeking formal approval for their actions. Historically, in Connecticut, the Probate Courts have served that function. Probate Courts provide a forum for a Trustee to raise questions or to seek formal approval of the Trustee’s actions. That could include seeking clarification
The role of a conservator is often misunderstood and recent headlines about celebrity conservatorships tend to paint conservatorships in a negative light. However, in this episode, Hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear, provide context to understanding the differences between conservatorship of the person and of the estate, voluntary and involuntary conservatorships, and how planning
Following up an advisory we published last year (click here to read), we offer this update on recent developments in the case of Salce v. Cardello that may have meaningful implications for the use and enforcement of no contest clauses in wills and trusts.
In a narrow and unusual ruling, the Connecticut Supreme Court denied
Highlighted in re Jones v. Jones, 103 Mass. App. Ct. 223 (2023)
In a troubling ruling that potentially could impact estate planning across the country, a Massachusetts appellate court ruled that the corpus of a discretionary trust created by a parent in Michigan, for the benefit of an adult child living in Massachusetts, could be
How can a Connecticut resident protect his or her estate from family members who might fight over it? The inclusion of a “no contest” clause under a will or trust may be one strategy, but does Connecticut recognize “no contest” clauses? And, if an heir initiates a litigation, would a Connecticut probate court actually enforce