The trusts and estates practice at Wilson Elser handles a host of issues relating to estate planning for individuals at all financial levels.  Our attorneys work closely with clients in order to understand their personal needs and goals, family objectives and financial considerations.  To this end, we work hard to bring into focus the various tax considerations and tax consequences involved with each individual situation.

Experienced in the traditional areas of will and trust preparation and estate administration, our attorneys are knowledgeable about complex federal laws relating to estate and gift taxes. They provide sophisticated advice to clients regarding the most effective manner to carry out their intentions, while preserving their ultimate family objectives.

Included in the firm's depository of estate-planning tools are the revocable or "living" trust, to provide for continuity of management of assets; the irrevocable life insurance trust, to reduce the size of the insured's taxable estate; the qualified personal residence trust, to transfer a personal residence to heirs at reduced tax rates; and the creation of grantor-retained annuity trusts and grantor-retained unitrusts funded with income-producing stock from closely held businesses.  Our firm also assists in creating tax-qualified charitable trusts and private foundations for those clients who wish to advance their philanthropic activities, as well as special needs trusts to ensure the welfare and security of children with special needs.

Wilson Elser also represents and advises executors in the handling of all stages of estate administration, such as the probate of wills, collection of assets, preparation of federal and state estate tax returns, representation of clients in state and/or federal estate-tax audits, preparation of federal gift-tax returns, compilation of the executor's accounting and attendant releases, and the distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries. In addition, Wilson Elser has successfully represented clients in various types of estate litigation and complex Surrogate's Court proceedings, including construction of wills, contested wills and contested accountings.

Throughout the various stages of the administration of an estate, our attorneys maintain a harmonious balance between the personal needs and interests of our clients and the available tax-planning opportunities that would further our clients' interests.

For more information please visit our Commercial Services Practice website.