The Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, podcast explores high-level estate planning techniques and trends. It is ideal for professionals in the accounting, insurance, investment, and financial planning industries since each episode will offer concise and timely information on topics that are critical to the planning they do with their clients.
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On this episode, host Erin Nicholls welcomes Victoria Fiengo, Private Client Services Associate, to discuss the complexities of self-dealing in private foundations. The discussion focuses on the importance of understanding the broad definition of disqualified persons to avoid impermissible self-dealing actions that the IRS would consider an abuse of its rules. In this vein, practitioners
On this episode, host Michael Clear is joined by Wiggin and Dana Litigation Partner Joseph Merschman. Joe and Michael explore the concept of “business divorce,” referring to conflicts among co-owners of closely held companies. These disputes often arise from family tensions, unequal contributions, or shifts in the business’s direction. The episode highlights the importance
In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, Host Michael Clear is joined by Litigation Partner Michael Kenny, where they discuss the complexities of probate disputes, focusing on will contests, particularly related to undue influence and testamentary capacity. As people live longer and healthier lives, Michael Kenny notes that there is growing awareness
In this episode, Host Michael Clear is joined by a special guest, Senior Practice Manager Dan Maloney, who shares how his unique role helps shape client experience, team culture and business development at Wiggin and Dana. From onboarding and retention efforts to leveraging technology, like automation bots and project management software, and exploring creative marketing
In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, hosts Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls are joined by Corporate Partners Scott McClure and Len Gray to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is expanding opportunities with qualified small business stock (QSBS). OBBBA brought about key updates to QSBS, including an increased
In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, Partner Erin Nicholls and Associate Sara Osinski examine the complexities of managing private foundations. They focus on how the 5% minimum distribution requirement is calculated, including the role of administrative expenses. The conversation highlights the importance of federal compliance through Form 990-PF and stresses the
Today marks a special milestone, our 50th episode! Since launching in 2023, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with thought leaders, innovators, and trusted advisors to explore the most pressing issues shaping families and their wealth. To celebrate, we’re taking a moment to reflect. In this episode, we’ll revisit some of the standout conversations that
In the final episode of the Speaker Showcase, Partners Steve Malech and Matt Smith discuss the complexities of estate planning, particularly in the context of divorce and family disputes. They highlight the importance of clear definitions in legal documents, the potential for costly litigation, and the challenges posed by multi-jurisdictional assets. They emphasize the need
In the second episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning Speaker Showcase, Private Client Services Partner Vanessa Maczko and Corporate Partner Jack Sousa discuss estate planning strategies, with a focus on business owners and succession planning for both family and non-family enterprises. The discussion highlights the importance of structuring ownership using voting and non-voting shares
In the premiere episode of our Speaker Showcase, Partners Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls explore the evolving landscape of estate planning, with a special focus on strategies for middle and high-net-worth clients in Connecticut. The discussion addresses the potential sunset of the estate and gift tax exemptions in 2026, offering practical gifting strategies to maximize