Navigating estate planning amidst divorce can be complex. On the third episode of our speaker series, Partner Matt Smith emphasizes the need for adaptable and forward-thinking strategies to protect assets across varying state laws. Highlighting cases where outdated estate plans clash with the modern realities of marriage, divorce, and inheritance, Matt delves into crafting lifetime
With our second episode in our speaker series, Helen Heintz dives into the increasingly common practice of drafting prenuptial agreements. Highlighting the evolution of her clientele over nearly two decades, Helen outlines the shift towards safeguarding inherited wealth in first and second marriages—primarily driven by concerned parents wanting to protect assets for their children. Helen
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
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 Beneficiaries, SLATs, Estate
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
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
On this episode, join Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear as they dispel some of the common misconceptions related to trust planning and delve into the three reasons why trust planning is important for many clients. With an understanding that most clients do not want to “rule from the grave,” Erin and Michael highlight the
Prenuptial agreements are designed to address the financial rights and obligations of parties entering into a marriage rather than relying upon applicable state law in the event of death or divorce for determination of the parties’ rights. Spousal inheritance rights and divorce law can vary widely among states – the laws of the state where