Ulmer & Berne’s trusts and estates attorneys counsel individuals and fiduciaries in all aspects of estate planning. Our clients consist of individuals, beneficiaries, fiduciaries and charitable institutions. Our services cover a broad range of areas, including:
- Formulation of appropriate and effective estate plans to effectuate the distribution of assets among and for the benefit of a client’s beneficiaries;
- Establishment of entities, including trusts, partnerships, LLCs and corporations, to assist in transferring assets efficiently with the least tax costs possible;
- Assist clients in arranging their affairs to protect assets from attack by creditors or other third parties;
- Design of programs to allow a client to transfer assets currently among his desired recipients with sufficient controls and protection for the benefit of the beneficiaries to prohibit attack by creditors or disgruntled spouses;
- Coordination of efforts of client’s professionals, including accountants, insurance agents, investment advisors and others;
- Establishment of business succession plans to facilitate the continuation of business entities without fear of excessive taxes or disposition issues;
- Assist heirs with the handling of a decedents’ affairs at his or her death, including tax filings and various administrative issues;
- Defend and prosecute will-and-trust contest actions and other disputes arising on account of an individual’s death;
- Design various charitable entities to assist an individual and his or her family in carrying out their charitable desires during life and at their death; this includes assisting in the formation of private and public foundations, supporting organizations, donor advised funds, charitable trusts and related vehicles; and
- Coordination of efforts among the tax and non-tax lawyers of Ulmer & Berne to achieve overall planning goals.