Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning

In the final episode of the Speaker Showcase, Partners Steve Malech and Matt Smith discuss the complexities of estate planning, particularly in the context of divorce and family disputes. They highlight the importance of clear definitions in legal documents, the potential for costly litigation, and the challenges posed by multi-jurisdictional assets. They emphasize the need for proactive legal advice to navigate these issues effectively and avoid misunderstandings that can lead to significant financial and familial turmoil.

In the second episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning Speaker Showcase, Private Client Services Partner Vanessa Maczko and Corporate Partner Jack Sousa discuss estate planning strategies, with a focus on business owners and succession planning for both family and non-family enterprises. The discussion highlights the importance of structuring ownership using voting and non-voting shares to balance control with marketability. It also explores how liquidity solutions, such as life insurance, can support seamless ownership transitions in the event of a member’s passing.

By bridging corporate and estate planning, the conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful equity transfer strategies and well-timed decisions that can significantly improve business valuation and long-term success.

In the inaugural episode of our Speaker Showcase, Partners Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls explore the evolving landscape of estate planning, with a special focus on strategies for middle and high-net-worth clients in Connecticut. The discussion addresses the potential sunset of the estate and gift tax exemptions in 2026, offering practical gifting strategies to maximize the currently high exemption amount. Michael and Erin also highlight Connecticut's latest advancements in trust modifications and non-judicial settlement agreements, and caution practitioners on the potential tax implications that may arise from enacting these strategies. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on hot, hot topics in estate planning.

Digital Assets may be poised to revolutionize the financial world and the velocity of moving money across the economy. On this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Erin Nicholls and Corporate partner R.J. Kornhaas welcome guest Jake Claver, Managing Director of Digital Ascension Group, a multifamily office serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Jake shares his background in mergers and acquisitions and how his success in traditional markets ultimately led him to cryptocurrency and an expertise on digital assets. Discover how investment in digital assets could transform the future of financial transactions, providing opportunities for attorneys, financial advisors and CPAs to grow their knowledge and better advise their clients on these verticals. Tune in for valuable insights into the realm of digital assets.

The disposition of unique assets like art collections requires proper planning. On this episode, Partner Michael Clear and Associate Kaitlyn Pacelli speak with Deborah Robinson, Partner at Art Market Advisors. Deborah emphasizes the importance of early conversations to streamline the process. She also dives into the implications of appraisals, sales, and the division of collections, offering valuable guidance for families and trustees. Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing unique assets during your lifetime and ensuring the proper plan is in place to dispose of those assets after death.

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.