Tax planning is an essential element in business planning and problem-solving. Whenever a client undertakes a transaction, we focus on the economics, evaluating the tax ramifications of each approach in light of our background in general corporate and tax matters.  We work with clients and their advisors in structuring investments, joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures.  Since many of our clients are entrepreneurs with interests in closely-held businesses, a natural outgrowth of our business practice is a developing expertise in assisting owners and their families in planning for the future succession of ownership and management. 

Planning for the future is a key consideration.  If you are drawn to planning, we are prepared to help, and frequently counsel individuals concerned with the wide-ranging issues that may affect us all later in life.  We regularly provide wealth transfer and related financial estate planning and tax counseling services, assisting clients in preparing wills and revocable trusts as well as specialized instruments designed to address specific needs.  Examples include:

• Planning for disability, including special needs

• Irrevocable life insurance trusts

• Family partnerships and limited liability companies

• Childrens’ trusts and generation-skipping transfer tax planning

• Charitable gifts

In addition, we work with those engaged in the administration of estates, including guardian and conservatorships, probate administration, Will contests and lawsuits against executors, administrators, trustees and other fiduciaries, and we take a limited number of hardship and crisis cases.

For assistance with this area of law, please contact:

Putnam C. Smith or Mike R. Sleister