Depression-Era Trusts Come Home to RoostDepression-Era Trusts Come Home to Roost

During the 1930s, there was a spike in the number of trusts created as wealthy families responded to steep increases in federal gift and estate tax rates. These trusts are now approaching mandatory termination dates and, as with any trust termination, advisors must consider how best to help beneficiaries prepare for a new influx of wealth.  

Much focus has been placed on the implications of wealth transfer between members of the baby boomer generation and their heirs. For certain families, there may be a more pressing task at hand—many dynasty trusts that date back to the Depression Era are on the cusp of expiring, putting the classic tasks of estate planners into fascinating historical context. 

As noted in A History of Federal Estate, Gi...