Trusts and Estates
The firm has unusual strength in domestic and international estate planning. On the domestic side, we are able to plan testamentary and non-testamentary dispositions that, with an eye to tax efficiency, accommodate complex family requirements. Probate of wills, estate administration and trust administration (including income tax and estate tax audits) are also handled. In recent years, we have also addressed the ancillary administration and estate tax filings for the American estates of non-citizen, non-domiciliaries who died holding assets in the United States in their own names. We are thus thoroughly familiar with the scope and impact of income and estate tax treaties between the United States and many important foreign jurisdictions. We also perform a considerable amount of elder care law, as well as specialized estate planning for families with members who are disabled.
On behalf of non-resident aliens, we establish transnational arrangements for the confidential ownership, management and transfer of personal assets that minimize potential United States and worldwide estate, gift and income tax liabilities, using foundations and similar devices. We work extensively with the private banking departments of major Swiss and other foreign banks, as well as domestic financial institutions and registered investment advisers, to address the legal problems faced by their clientele. Consequently, we routinely deal with the legal, fiscal and inheritance problems of successful foreign business men and women and other high-net-worth 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 are frequently asked by our clients to engage in global income, estate and gift tax planning. In doing so, we draw upon our knowledge of the relevant laws of various foreign countries and also work with specialized correspondent counsel in those countries.
Primary Contact: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert C. Muffly | 212-888-3033 | |||
| David W. Schaaf | 212-888-3033 | |||
| Peter Van Nuys | 212-888-3033 | |||
Attorneys: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karin P.E. Gustafson | 212-888-3033 | |||
| Robert C. Muffly | 212-888-3033 | |||
| David W. Schaaf | 212-888-3033 | |||
| Peter Van Nuys | 212-888-3033 | |||
