Estate Planning

We view estate planning as a continuum that begins with defining family goals and objectives.  

Successful estate plans accomplish many goals – they not only help minimize wealth transfer taxes, but also fulfill philanthropic goals, maintain privacy for the family and provide ongoing management of family assets.

Often, at the beginning of the estate planning process, the reduction of wealth transfer taxes is not necessarily a goal. The federal unified credit equivalent for married taxpayers increased to $22,360,000 under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. There are, however, important non-tax considerations. Can probate be avoided? Who will be a minor child’s guardian? Are powers of attorney and medical directives current?  

As families mature and assets grow, wealth transfer tax reduction becomes increasingly important. Through our ongoing relationships with clients and their advisors, we provide a forum where strategies can be evaluated using criteria that fit the family for whom they were designed.

The Estate Planning Continuum

Preparation and analysis of personal financial statements with a focus on family goals and objectives, asset titling and lifetime gifting.

Review of wills, trusts, powers of attorney and medical directives.

Review of personal financial statements, wills and trusts to ensure family goals and objectives are met as family dynamics change.

In-depth analysis to minimize wealth transfer taxes through the use of grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs), intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs) and family limited partnerships (FLPs).