Note From the Editor: June 2020

As I start my ninth week of working remotely, I can now look back and appreciate my “old” life, working in an office environment. Oh, the joy of catching up with my colleagues as we would stop by the kitchen for that first cup of coffee in the morning, being able to spontaneously bounce my ideas off others and getting that sugar rush from all those celebratory cakes. Zoom meetings just aren’t the same.  

Estate planners may also have experienced some growing pains trying to adapt to this new world. Some may have closed their offices to comply with the social distancing rules put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. Others may face challenges helping clients plan in this time of uncertainty. In “How COVID-19 Has Impacted Our Practice,” p. 24, two of our editorial advisory board members—Marvin E. Blum and Craig R. Hersch—share their personal experiences trying to help clients and adapt their practices for this new reality.

With many focused on the pandemic, the upcoming elections in November may not be getting as much attention as they deserve. But, the results of the elections may change things drastically for high-net-worth clients. The articles in our Special Report: 2020 Elections will give you some planning ideas to prepare for a possible change in administration. Topics include the use of trusts to provide flexibility, how to take advantage of state income tax opportunities, the use of powers of appointment in trusts and separating politics from investing.

Thanks to all our authors and advisory board members for contributing to Trusts & Estates during this challenging time.