Trusts & Estates

Estate planning for second marriage doesn’t need to be complicated! Entering a second marriage can be an exciting new chapter in life, but it also brings unique financial and legal challenges—especially when it comes to estate planning. Whether you have children from a previous relationship, substantial assets, or want to protect both your new spouse and your heirs, it’s essential to review and update your estate plan. Here’s what you should know about estate planning for second marriage.
Estate
Continue Reading Estate Planning for Second Marriage

When creating a trust, it’s important to think about how to ensure it functions properly, not just today, but well into the future. One option for adding flexibility and oversight is to appoint a Trust Protector.

But what exactly is a Trust Protector, and how can they benefit your estate plan? Let’s explore this important role and how it may provide added protection for your trust.
What is a Trust Protector?
A Trust Protector is a person or entity
Continue Reading What is a Trust Protector and Why You Might Need One

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a plethora of impactful decisions in its last term. One that might have flown under the radar had to do with estate taxes. Though topic of taxes does not normally make for engaging content, this just might be an exception. If you are a business owner (or are related to one), you might be impacted, so please read on.

Now that the hook is out there, let’s turn to the topic: estate taxes and
Continue Reading Connelly: A Wrench in the Succession Planning Works?

As we approach the 2024 election, many individuals are concerned about how potential changes in the political landscape could affect their estate plans. The upcoming election could have significant implications for gift and estate tax rates, which are set to revert to pre-2017 levels if no new legislation is passed. This blog post will help you understand the potential changes and how to prepare your estate plan accordingly.
The Current Estate Tax Landscape
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Continue Reading The 2024 Election & Your Estate Plan: What You Need to Know

Nearly one year after Tony Bennett’s death, his children are embroiled in a trust dispute. While Tony Bennett’s fame and prominence are unique, the nature of this dispute is common. In the filing, Tony Bennett’s two daughters accused their brother, Danny—who served as Tony’s manager and also serves as the trustee of the Family Trust—of managing their father’s trust for Danny’s own benefit and that of his company. The action seeks an order for a full accounting and inventory
Continue Reading Navigating Trust Litigation: Insights from the Tony Bennett Case

Estate planning isn’t just about who gets your stuff – it’s about making the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for your loved ones. One of the biggest hurdles they might face? Probate.
Probate: A Time-Consuming and Costly Ordeal
Probate is the court process that oversees the distribution of your assets after you pass away. While it ensures your wishes are followed, it comes with a hefty price tag:

  • Time: Probate can drag on for months, even years,


Continue Reading Probate- A Timely & Costly Process to Avoid

Trust stakeholders are subject to Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) obligations under specific circumstances. Under CTA, a “reporting company” must disclose information about the company and its “beneficial owners.” CTA defines a “reporting company” as any entity that is created by filing a document with a secretary of state or any similar office. A “beneficial owner” is defined as any individual who, directly or indirectly, (a) exercises substantial control over a reporting company or (b) owns or controls at least
Continue Reading The Corporate Transparency Act and Its Impact on Trusts

Irrevocable Grantor Trusts (IGTs) have been a popular tool for estate planning. They help you reduce estate taxes, avoid probate, and distribute assets according to your wishes. But a new IRS ruling (Revenue Ruling 2023-2) throws a wrench into things. Let’s break down what this means for you.
What are Irrevocable Grantor Trusts (IGTs)?
Think of an IGT as a locked box. You put assets in the box (like stocks or cash), and a trustee manages them according to
Continue Reading Irrevocable Grantor Trusts: IRS Ruling May Affect Your Estate Plan

Don’t leave your kids an inheritance outright. The best ways to leave your kids’ an inheritance may not be the ways you think. As parents, one of our deepest desires is to provide for our children even after we are gone.  With careful planning and consideration, you can establish a solid foundation for your children’s future. When it comes to planning for the future, especially when it involves passing on your wealth to the next generation, it’s crucial to
Continue Reading Don’t Leave Your Kids an Inheritance

Generally speaking, real estate is subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is located. That makes coordination of property ownership outside your home state an especially important piece of your overall estate plan. Failing to specifically address the funding/titling of this real estate can cause, among other hassles, unnecessary court processes at death. The following are a few things to consider.

Out-Of-State Real Estate
If you utilize a revocable trust as your main estate planning vehicle
Continue Reading A Home Away From Home: Planning Considerations for Out-of-State Real Estate, Mobile Homes and Foreign Real Estate

One of the most common questions asked by our clients is, “What is the difference between a will and a trust, and which is right for me?”  Last week, I provided a brief summary of the differences between these two common estate planning tools in a vlog.  You can view the vlog here.  In this blog post, I’ll provide more details about the distinguishing factors.

Wills and trusts share some commonalities, including:

  • You may use a will or


Continue Reading Will or Trust: Which is Right for Me?

On September 13, 2021, the House Ways and Means committee released its proposals to raise revenue, including increases to individual, trust and corporate income taxes, changes to retirement plan contributions and distributions, and changes to the estate and gift tax laws. We will continue to monitor this legislation and will provide relevant updates, but wanted to highlight the proposed estate and gift tax changes that may be most crucial to your immediate planning.

Good news first: There is no
Continue Reading Disappearing Act: What You Need to Know About the Estate and Gift Tax Provisions of the House Ways and Means Committee Tax Proposals

There are multiple types of trusts that can help protect assets. When a trust is created, assets will be placed in the control of a trustee, who will ensure that money or property will be properly distributed to the beneficiaries named in the trust. However, disputes can sometimes arise between the beneficiaries of a trust and the trustee. In these cases, beneficiaries will need to understand their legal options, including whether they can pursue litigation and what remedies may
Continue Reading When Can Beneficiaries Pursue Trust Litigation Against a Trustee?

Summertime is a special time of year in Wisconsin.  It brings many families to cabins where they create memories and traditions that will be cherished forever.  However, many problems arise if families do not create a plan for the future ownership and management of the family cabin.  The cabin may be subject to the claims of individual owners’ creditors, including spouses in the event of a divorce.  Individual owners may freely transfer their interests in the cabin, and you
Continue Reading Plan Ahead to Make Summer Memories at the Family Cabin Last Forever