Estate planning gets treated as paperwork about death. It is really a series of decisions about control, fairness, and meaning. The structures matter, but research shows most wealth transfers fail on communication and trust, not taxes. A legacy is not what is left behind. It is what is built deliberately and handed on with intention.

When a high-net-worth family encountered a complex estate tax issue, collaboration became the key to unlocking a powerful solution. Partnering with their tax accountant, our team crafted a creative approach that resolved pressing liquidity concerns and meaningfully reduced the family’s overall tax burden. This case highlights the impact of coordinated advisory efforts in delivering an exceptional outcome.

Are you thinking about setting up a holding company? Before you do, tune in to this episode of we sit down with CPA and founder of Simplify Accounting, Shawn Gander, to break down everything business owners need to know about holding companies—what they are when you actually need one, and why too many entrepreneurs set them up for the wrong reasons.

What is a Testamentary Spousal Trust?

A testamentary spousal trust is a legal arrangement established through a will to benefit the settlor’s surviving spouse. It provides an alternative to the outright distribution of estate assets, offering certain tax benefits and flexibility for managing complex family dynamics.

Several times a year, I receive questions from clients about adding an adult child as a joint owner of their assets.  This could be bank accounts, investment accounts, or even as a joint owner of their home.