Wealth Planning

Recent changes in the law have enhanced conservation easements' effectiveness in estate planning. But increased scrutiny by the Internal Revenue Service heightens the need for careful documentation of agreements and for thoughtful valuations of...

Reduced endowments have led to a focus on providing for emergency social needs and shoring up the structures of charities. Is this a short-term or long-term shift?

Things just got much more complicated

The Financial Times suggests the way financial products and services are sold need to be completely overhauled. “There is an unhealthy focus on products that sell to advisors, rather than ones clients need.” Editorial on

Pre-petition disclaimers can help save the day

IRS' special deal for reporting of undisclosed offshore accounts now ends Oct. 15, 2009

Final regulations have been adopted for taxpayer procedures to contest IRS gift valuations under IRC 7477

Property in an irrevocable grantor trust does not receive basis step-up on death of grantor if not included in taxable estate

Professional athletes have challenging wealth management needs. They make millions but they have short careers. For the FA, a 24-year-old fullback should have the financial profile of a 50-something baby boomer—that is, a person on the verge...