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Planning for future generations is the greatest gift family businesses can give, particularly during times of uncertainty. Transferring assets while they have a low value is a technique that is used to lock-in or freeze those low values in anticipation the asset will one day significantly increase in value. There are estate tax planning techniques ...

Aircraft ownership comes with an enormous cost and responsibility that may not support the investment, and more cost-effective alternatives could accomplish the same goals with fewer headaches. Before purchasing or leasing an aircraft, it is best to understand what options are available and how these options can be tailored to fit specific nee...

Business closures have been immensely difficult for companies of all sizes during the COVID-19 pandemic. But reopening is proving difficult, too, especially given the ever-changing nature of the pandemic. As cases have surged in new parts of the country, businesses have been forced to reassess their operational plans in both the near- and long...

There are policy changes and new procedures that companies—including family offices—should consider when reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly given the increase in cases in many parts of the country. But companies cannot change policies in a vacuum. Instead, they must clearly and effectively communicate these changes to em...

Many companies were caught off-guard in the spring when diagnoses of COVID-19 multiplied rapidly and forced businesses to close or drastically change their policies with little warning. Now companies that have reopened must prepare for the future, as resurgences may occur at any time in different parts of the country. In preparation for future infe...

Business divorces are often messy. The reasons vary—personality-driven disputes, disagreements over business direction, or timing and distribution of earnings. When majority owners seek advice of the company’s attorney to formulate a plan to force out a minority owner, the company expects this advice to be covered by the attorney-client...

Those with ownership stakes in privately held businesses, partnerships, or family offices need to closely collaborate with and trust others. But when there is a disagreement or dispute, it can create a situation where someone is looking for ways to force out owners of non-controlling shares and seek the advice of the company’s attorney to for...

Solving disputes among business partners and owners in a privately held business can quickly become complicated matters that end up calling for access to an LLC or corporation’s privileged communications. Only in rare circumstances can there be access to those privileged communications. Most courts apply a fact-intensive test that is dif...

While it is impossible to predict every catastrophe, thorough pre-event preparation and post-event response planning can help reduce the likelihood of loss and limit the severity of damage that can’t be avoided. This reference guide and sample planning forms based on decades of experience will help you proactively keep art and other valuables ...

Year-end planning presents abundant opportunity to consider and optimize tax strategies. For the executives who have faced tremendous demand to lead companies through dynamic shifts during a year of historic change and disruption, it is important to be particularly mindful of tax implications that may arise from equity-linked compensation. As the y...

Year-end tax planning is always challenging, but the coronavirus pandemic has added a whole new layer of complexity to the equation for individuals, families, and businesses across the nation. The potential tax ramifications are significant. There are a number of tax developments to consider for the current tax year.

Unlike businesses with a single controlling owner or several owners, a 50/50 business by its very nature is ripe for disagreement between its owners. Owners of a 50/50 business will need to proactively consider how to handle disagreements when setting up their business venture and drafting their operating agreement, shareholders agreement, or partn...

Minority owners of a business face unique challenges. With limited or no control over the management and governance of a business, minority owners can be unfairly left in the cold or squeezed out. However, deliberate preparation and negotiation at the initial stages of the business can set up minority owners with the necessary tools and formation a...

While many are still managing the COVID-19 crisis, post-COVID-19 action plans are starting to take shape. Our discussion focuses on unpacking recent tax law changes and the impact on a family office, including key considerations—such as the sale of business goodwill and trust and estate planning—when deciding the entity choice of your o...

The CARES Act has brought important tax relief provisions and these, coupled with sophisticated tax planning techniques, are more effective now as asset values and interest rates have dropped. Our discussion focuses on key COVID-19 programs and wealth and tax planning ideas that may benefit your family, including making adjustments to grantor retai...