Trust Law

Basic Estate Planning

A basic estate plan includes testamentary instruments (wills and revocable trusts), advance healthcare directives, financial powers of attorney, and related documents.  Our lawyers draft these documents with precision to your specifications.  We also review your assets to ensure that you hold them in the most advantageous manner possible.  We highlight important decisions for your consideration, explain the various alternatives and help you evaluate which is right for you.  Whom should you name as guardian of your children in case one is needed?  Should trusts for children continue for their lifetimes or terminate at specified ages?  We help you make the right decisions, so you can have peace of mind.

Entrepreneur Estate Planning

Entrepreneurs and key executives who expect to experience a substantial increase in net worth due to an initial public offering or other liquidity event may have one chance in advance of the deal to accomplish tax planning that cannot be achieved afterwards.  Business owners should plan for the orderly transition of the business to the next generation or to others and should consider how the transition will be financed.  Our lawyers present the best planning techniques appropriate for your circumstances.

Trust and Estate Administration

Our lawyers are highly knowledgeable and experienced in the administration of trusts and the probating of wills.  We assist your family in funding trusts to honour testamentary desires.  We assist personal representatives in navigating the probate process and oversee the preparation of estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns.

Charitable Planning

Our lawyers provide expert guidance in implementing your charitable desires.  Whether you plan to give under your testamentary instrument or contribute now, we can guide you through the complex planning.  Our lawyers have extensive experience with private foundations, supporting organisations, donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, charitable gift annuities and restricted gifts.