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
As 2023 draws to a close, we gear up for a busy holiday season and start planning for 2024 (#FutureFocused). On this week’s episode, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear highlight a few things that clients and advisors should focus on as we near the end of the year, including putting the finishing touches on
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
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
Ownership of real property in multiple states can raise many estate planning issues. How the property is titled (i.e., whether the property is owned directly or through an entity, such as a trust or a limited liability company, may have a dramatic impact on the settlement of your estate and the taxes due. Fortunately, there
A special kind of irrevocable trust, known as a qualified personal residence trust (or QPRT), may enable you to transfer your residence to your children (or others) at a significantly reduced value for tax purposes, yet allow you to continue to live in the residence for as long as you wish.
Setting Up a QPRT
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
Updated May 2025
Clients interested in assisting a family member financially can consider making an intrafamily loan. To be respected as a loan, rather than a gratuitous transfer, certain formalities should be followed. Here, we outline those formalities.
What is an intrafamily loan?
Although current tax law allows for the exclusion of gifts up to
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