The firm represents clients for estate planning, estate and trust administrations, and fiduciary litigation with offices in Naples and St. Petersburg, Florida.
Estate and Related Tax Planning
In our estate planning practice, we assist clients in planning the transfer of their wealth as a tax-efficient manner.
We understand that counseling clients regarding estate planning requires an understanding of clients’ objectives, with sensitivity to both tax and non-tax considerations and anticipating and avoiding potential pitfalls. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the evolving laws that impact estate planning decisions to provide well-informed, effective counsel. We assist clients with designing estate plans that transform clients’ wishes into the optimal plan for beneficiaries, maximize the tax benefits of generation planning and charitable gifts, and provide for medical and financial lifetime decision-making.
Estate and Trust Administrations
We frequently assist fiduciaries with the post-death administration of estates and trusts; counsel beneficiaries regarding their rights; and advise guardians, families and individuals on guardianships.
Our experienced staff understands – and anticipates – the needs of personal representatives (historically referred to as executors) and trustees regarding the administration of estates and trusts under Florida law. We provide counsel regarding the rights and responsibilities of both fiduciaries and beneficiaries under governing instruments and Florida law. We also provide advice related to federal tax issues, prepare estate tax returns, and work with accountants to review income tax returns.
Fiduciary Litigation
Our firm has experience in cases involving breaches of fiduciary duties, business disputes and other litigation matter in state and federal courts.
We have extensive experience representing both fiduciaries and beneficiaries in disputed situations. Our experience includes will and trust contests, fiduciary removal proceedings, accounting disputes, contested guardianships, the interpretation and administration of estate planning documents, and business ownership conflicts. We work closely with clients to build a thorough understanding of a case’s facts, develop legal arguments, and evaluate legal risks. We pursue efficient resolutions whenever possible, and when litigation cannot be avoided, we advocate for clients through trial and appeal.
Expert Consultations
Our experienced attorneys serve as experts in disputed matters involving Florida estates and trusts and federal wealth transfer tax laws.
Our attorneys have served as expert witnesses and litigation consultants in probate, trust and fiduciary disputes, including several high-profile matters. We assist courts, litigants and counsel by providing independent analysis of complex issues involving estate planning, trust administration, fiduciary duties and federal transfer taxes. We also help other professionals understand the legal and tax implications of trusts and similar arrangements, including in related proceedings such as divorce litigation. Because of our attorneys’ subject matter expertise, courts have appointed and parties have selected our attorneys to serve as mediator and special fiduciary in contested estate and trust matters.
Subject Matter Co-Counsel
We partner with attorneys and other professionals to provide technical guidance in sophisticated estate, trust and tax matters.
Our firm is frequently engaged as subject matter co-counsel to assist with complex estate planning, post-death administrations, fiduciary issues and federal wealth transfer taxes. We provide strategic analysis, help evaluate difficult legal and tax questions, and work collaboratively with our clients’ other advisors. Our attorneys are also called upon to assist with the interpretation and implementation of sophisticated trust and estate planning techniques in litigation and transactional matters alike.
Private Foundations and Charitable Giving
We advise individuals and families on the creation and administration of private foundations and the implementation of charitable giving strategies.
Our firm assists clients in structuring charitable gifts as part of a comprehensive estate plan. When implementing an estate plan for clients with philanthropic objectives, we often assist with developing a structure to maximize the transfer of wealth while also achieving philanthropic objectives important to clients. We counsel clients on the formation, governance, and ongoing operation of private foundations, as well as charitable trusts and other planned giving arrangements that make meaningful gifts in a thoughtful and tax-efficient manner.
