On this episode, Partners Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls review the requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) now in effect. They discuss what exemptions available to entities, who the beneficial owners are, when to file reports, and other insights into what is needed to comply with the CTA. Be sure to tune into this episode and review our other related content to learn more. Feel free to contact a Wiggin and Dana attorney with any questions.
Apr 9, 2024
22 min
Do your children think money grows on trees? Do they understand the value of a dollar? On this week’s episode, Partner Michael Clear sits down with Tom Henske, author of It Makes Total Cents, which gives parents tools to have an honest conversation with their kids about the value of money and the importance of starting the conversation at a young age. With a background in structuring life insurance portfolios for high-net-worth individuals and financial planning, Tom has made it his business to not only help clients prepare the money for their kids, but to also prepare the kids for the money. Be sure to tune in to learn more and check out totalcents, where you can find Tom’s book and podcast, and The Affluent Insurance Advisor, for life insurance policy information.
Mar 26, 2024
29 min
On this episode, Partner Michael Clear sits down with Larry Lipoff, CPA, TEP, CEBS, who is a Director in CohnReznick’s Trusts and Estates Practice, to discuss the key takeaways from the 58th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning Conference. They dive into topics such as the “Rockefeller Waterfall,” planning with fluctuating interest rates, a possible upheaval in residential and commercial real estate, trustee liability, gift splitting, and more. Tune in as Michael and Larry break down a number of topics that will inevitably affect how practitioners advise their clients on estate planning well into the future.
Mar 5, 2024
18 min
Life insurance can be a valuable estate planning tool for generational wealth planning, creating liquidity and time diversification. On this week’s episode, Michael Clear and special guest Sarah Moore, Director of Advisor Relations at the Coyle Company, a firm that handles estate planning and business planning matters, discuss the importance of reviewing existing life insurance policies and portfolios to ensure they align with long-term estate planning goals. They delve into the impact of rising interest rates on life insurance policies and loans, and the need for trustees to regularly review policies for optimal performance. Tune in to learn how life insurance and proper trust planning can be a powerful estate planning tool for high-net-worth clients.
Feb 20, 2024
10 min
The role of a conservator is often misunderstood and recent headlines about celebrity conservatorships tend to paint conservatorships in a negative light. However, in this episode, Hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear, provide context to understanding the differences between conservatorship of the person and of the estate, voluntary and involuntary conservatorships, and how planning documents like powers of attorney and living trusts can help protect against the need for a conservatorship. This informative and engaging discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in better understanding the real-world implications of conservatorships, as well as alternative strategies for managing one’s health and financial well-being.
Feb 6, 2024
19 min
With so many people fleeing their northern home states and heading south for a sunnier lifestyle, it’s more important than ever to understand the process of changing domicile and residence. On this week’s episode, Partner Michael Clear travels to sunny Florida and chats with Florida-based Partner Veronica Bauer on the necessary “checklist” to declare domicile and residence in the state of Florida. They cover important steps such as obtaining a Florida driver's license, registering to vote, and filing a Declaration of Domicile. They also provide insights into the homestead exemption and how to avoid triggering events that could affect your domicile status. Their conversation is informative and provides helpful tips for those considering a move to Florida, so tune in to learn more.
Jan 23, 2024
20 min
Ready to kick off the New Year and make good on all those estate planning resolutions? On this first episode of 2024, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear highlight the estate planning opportunities resulting from changes in estate, gift and generation-skipping tax exemptions and discuss why 2024 is a good year to consider making big gifts before the exemptions are halved in 2026. They also discuss the importance of reviewing and updating your estate plans, including planning for beneficiaries, trust funding and making any desired changes to fiduciaries. 2024 will be the year to set clear goals, plan strategically, and focus on estate planning before it’s too late.
Jan 9, 2024
13 min
As we wrap up 2023, let us take a look back at some of the important estate planning topics that were discussed throughout the year. Our Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear and their distinguished guests shared their expertise on a wide range of subjects, including Using Trusts for Your Beneficiaries, SLATs, Estate Planning and Digital Assets, Key Considerations with Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax, How to Include Family Members in an Estate Planning Conversation, The Corporate Transparency Act, and Prenuptial Agreements. You can access the full episodes by clicking the link below to better understand these topics. Plus, we have exciting plans to bring you more informative and insightful episodes next year, so stay tuned!
Dec 26, 2023
13 min
As 2023 draws to a close, we gear up for a busy holiday season and start planning for 2024 (#FutureFocused). On this week’s episode, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear highlight a few things that clients and advisors should focus on as we near the end of the year, including putting the finishing touches on estate plans, making annual exclusion gifts, charitable donations, and required minimum distributions from IRAs. Tune in to learn more and check back in the new year for fresh episodes on even more interesting, sophisticated estate planning strategies.
Dec 12, 2023
9 min
On this episode of “Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning,” Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear sit down with Partner Helen Heintz to discuss the intricacies of prenuptial agreements. From the nuances of defining separate and marital property to navigating potential pitfalls, they review the complexities and importance of prenups in protecting wealth. Helen also sheds light on the significance of full disclosure, the ideal timeline for drafting agreements, and addresses common misconceptions, offering valuable insights for professionals guiding their clients through the prenuptial process. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of prenuptial agreements and how they play a crucial role in estate planning.
Nov 28, 2023
20 min
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