In this powerhouse episode, hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear step up to the plate with Thomas Archer, a certified financial planner and owner of the Thomas J. Archer Companies, to discuss the nuances of estate planning and business succession for high net-worth individuals, including professional athletes and business owners.  Archer, not one to sit

What is a Family Office?

A family office is a private wealth management entity that may provide a variety of services to a wealthy family, such as investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and philanthropy. Family offices can be set up as a standalone entity or as a division of a larger company.  The beauty

As the owner of a franchise, you may be focused on the day-to-day operations and management of the business. You might have plans for the longer-term, for growing the business in the years ahead. But what if you are no longer around? Who will operate it? And who will inherit it? Would you prefer that

In a typical M&A transaction, the interests of the executives and management team can significantly diverge from the other parties to the transaction making it essential to retain independent counsel, separate from the buyer and the seller. In this episode, Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear are joined by Partners Christian Chandler and James Greifzu

In a previous Wiggin and Dana advisory, we highlighted a new “decanting” statute in Connecticut. As described in that advisory, effective January 1, 2025, Connecticut will specifically authorize “decanting” the assets of an otherwise irrevocable trust into a new trust with improved terms. The statute outlines precisely what kinds of trusts can and cannot be

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 Highlighting cases where outdated estate plans clash with the modern realities of marriage, divorce, and inheritance, Matt delves into crafting lifetime

Navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of administering a loved one’s estate after their death can be difficult. The additional burden of having to decide what to do with all of their stuff (also known as tangible property) highlights the critical role of effective estate planning. The clarity and directives provided by a well-structured estate

Timing is crucial for clients looking to gift before the potential sunset of the estate and gift tax exemption at the end of 2025. In today’s episode, Partner Erin Nicholls sits down with Evan Levine, Founder of Complete Advisors as well as his colleague, Nainesh Shah, lead analyst, who specializes in business valuations for trust

Clients often ask us how to plan for educational expenses for their children or grandchildren.

According to the College Savings Plans Network, at an inflation rate of 6%, it will cost about $276,954.00 to send a child who is currently a toddler to an in-state, public college for four years, inclusive of tuition, fees, room

Highlighted by Lyden v. Lyden (In re E. Earl Lyden Trust)

In early April, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an opinion in the case of In re E. Earl Lyden Trust, which highlights the importance of a comprehensive review of the estate plan during the pendency of a divorce.

Background of Case

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