Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning
It is said that a person drafts a will not for himself but for his heirs. Wills and accompanying documents reduce heir disputes and confusion. As a Tax Attorney, dual licensed Attorney and Certified Public Accountant, who has experience in Trusts andEstates, I will provide you with a sound estate plan including tax minimization strategies.
I have a unique grasp of the Rule Against Perpetuities. It was a particular interest of mine in law school. In my opinion, to draft a proper estate plan of a large estate, the drafter must really understand this rule, and not just use a catch-all savings clause. If you have an heirloom asset, or just want to preserve your assets for as many generations as possible, I am your man. I recall scoring one of the highest grades in Trust & Estate.
So many testators wind up making intervivos (while they are alive) transfers thinking that is the best way to protect their heirs. Many times, nothing could be further from the truth. If you have a mid to large size estate, hire me to check your existing estate plan (will, trust) or hire me to start one from scratch.
On the litigation side of estates, I actually defended an heir in a will contest during a full trial in the Denver Probate Court. Wills are typically contested by disinherited heirs claiming undue influence. There are strategies to prevent this. The last thing a testator would want is to have a will thrown out for lack of formalities, or for undue influence.
To name a few tax issues (even for small estates) include:
- Bump up in basis and basis lock in.
- Retirement accounts
- Final tax return and strategic estate tax return.
- Trust tax return planning and compliance
- Off shore estate planning and compliance
- Generation skipping tax
- Unified Credit
The most important part of an estate plan is to have one. I would be pleased to plan and draft a quality estate plan for you.