When families clash over control of substantial wealth, whether in connection with the testamentary wishes of a loved one or the management of assets in an estate or trust, hiring the right fiduciary and probate litigator can make all the difference. In this episode, Partner Michael Clear sits down with Wiggin and Dana Partner and Chair of the Fiduciary and Probate Litigation Practice Group, Steve Malech, to unpack the role of a fiduciary and probate litigator in family wealth disputes. Through compelling real-world examples, Steve highlights a variety of practical takeaways for fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and fellow attorneys, offering insights on managing emotions and navigating the intricate landscape of family wealth disputes. Tune in to learn more about the complexities of this practice area and reach out with questions.

How can you reduce taxes by removing assets from your estate? In this episode, Partner Michael Clear answers this question, highlighting several gifting strategies to shift wealth out of a taxable estate. Michael touches on strategies like making annual exclusion gifts, direct payments for tuition and medical expenses, opening 529 accounts, and creating life insurance trusts. Be sure to tune into this insightful episode and ensure you are prepared for the year ahead. If you have any questions on incorporating gifting strategies within your overall estate plan, please reach out.

In the final episode of our speaker series, Partners and Family Office Co-Chairs, Erin Nicholls, R.J. Kornhaas, and Dimitri Tournas delve into the unique capabilities and services offered to high net worth individuals and family offices, highlighting the firm’s expertise in real estate, corporate transactions, and personalized private client services. This episode also explores the evolving landscape of family offices, including the importance of proper governance and tailored legal counsel. Be sure to tune in to discover how we collaborate across departments to provide comprehensive solutions for our clients.

On this episode, hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear welcome corporate Partner R.J. Kornhaas to discuss the intricacies of investing in privately held businesses and business succession planning. They delve into essential considerations, such as the types of investments—including convertible notes and preferred stock—and emphasize the importance of having legal counsel review documents to safeguard investor interests. Whether you're an advisor, a founder or investor in a privately held company, tune in to explore how to navigate private investments wisely and understand the role of legal counsel in mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and facilitating successful transactions.

On the fifth episode of our speaker series, Partner Carolyn Reers explores the growing trend of high-net-worth individuals seeking residency or citizenship abroad for tax benefits and safety. She highlights popular destinations like Malta, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia for citizenship through investment, as well as Italy, Malta, Portugal, Switzerland, Greece, and Spain for golden visa programs. Carolyn also explains the complexities of the U.S. expatriation tax regime and the challenges of maintaining U.S. tax compliance while living abroad. Tune in to gain valuable insights into international planning and compliance in today’s global landscape.

On the fourth episode of our speaker series, Partners Erin Nicholls, R.J. Kornhaas and Dimitri Tournas dive into the key compliance requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its impact on small to medium-sized companies. They break down the new federal beneficial ownership registry, the filing requirements, and the challenges of identifying beneficial owners. Tune in to gain insight into the information needed to meet the CTA's obligations and what it means for your business.

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 on the sidelines, shares his personal journey from a humble beginning to amassing a clientele that includes billionaires and professional athletes, emphasizing the importance of proper financial planning, asset protection, and the pitfalls of lacking financial literacy. This episode is a playbook on effective strategies for preserving wealth across generations and underscores the significance of understanding the changing tax landscape. Tune in for an insightful discussion on making informed decisions that ensure your financial legacy is in the hall of fame, not the hall of shame.

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, co-chairs of the Wiggin and Dana Management Team Representation practice group. They discuss their role in ensuring executives are properly represented in deals and the importance of early and informed legal representation to ensure that their interests are protected and aligned with the transaction's goals. The conversation highlights the complexities of executive compensation, employment agreements, tax issues and more to ensure a smooth transaction. Tune in for a deeper understanding of the crucial role legal counsel plays in facilitating smooth and beneficial business sales and transitions.

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 trusts, navigating state-specific trust codes, and integrating prenups to safeguard one’s financial future.  He also underscores the persistent challenge of ensuring estate plans remain effective in the face of life’s uncertainties and changes in law. Tune in to gain valuable insights on safeguarding assets in the face of marital dissolution.

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 and estate planning, gift tax planning, and complex entities. They discuss the critical role of business valuations in estate and gift tax planning and the intricacies of determining discounts for lack of marketability and control, emphasizing the tailored approach needed for each unique scenario. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could significantly impact your estate planning strategies before the looming tax changes take effect.