Trusts & Estates
Becker Glynn has particular strength in domestic and international estate planning. Our attorneys provide advice on the management and transfer of wealth to and among family members and other beneficiaries by implementing sophisticated transfer strategies. In some cases, this requires “freeze” and discounting techniques, including the formation and use of closely held businesses, grantor retained annuity trusts and “defective” trust planning. We also form dynasty, family and charitable trusts, both offshore and onshore. Further, we utilize life insurance and other liquidity techniques to assist in wealth transfers.
Our estate attorneys also handle the probate of wills, estate and trust administrations, preparation and filing of estate tax returns, and estate, gift and income tax audits. We handle ancillary administration and estate tax filings for the U.S. estates of non-resident aliens who, at the time of death, hold assets in the U.S. We are thoroughly familiar with the scope and impact of income and estate tax treaties between the U.S. and many important foreign jurisdictions.
On behalf of non-resident clients who are citizens of countries outside the U.S., we establish transnational arrangements for the ownership, management and transfer of personal assets that minimize U.S. and worldwide estate, gift and income tax liabilities, using trusts and similar devices.
We work extensively with the private banking departments of major foreign banks, as well as with domestic financial institutions and registered financial advisors, to assist them in handling the legal problems faced by their clientele.
We routinely assist with the legal, fiscal and inheritance issues that accrue to individuals who, due to unstable local economies, weak national currencies, inflation and arbitrary or erratic governmental policies, are forced to hold substantial investments outside their home countries. In confronting these issues, we draw on our knowledge of the relevant laws of various foreign countries, and also work with specialized correspondent counsel in those jurisdictions.