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The key to success of any risk management plan is the development of an “all risk” approach that takes the entire family enterprise into account. Through a survey of more than 200 family office executives at single and multi-family offices, an uncovering of some worrying approaches has surfaced around the risks that family offices face, particularl...

When seeking to preserve the family legacy and wealth, families can create custom-tailored trusts to meet their specific needs and goals. In this overview, learn about why families form trusts, the different types of trusts available, the essential role of trustee, and why families might choose a bundled trust structure versus a Directed Trust stru...

The two-year window is closing on opportunities for families to capitalize on gift, estate, and generation-skipping tax provisions of the 2010 Tax Act. In this 2012 Financial Executives Forum session, Susan von Herrmann, a partner in Schiff Hardin’s private clients and trusts and estates group, looked at gifting strategies in light of the Act's imp...

In this election year competing visions of tax reform is center stage front page news. Mark Blumenthal, partner and chairman of the Family Office Service Group at Blackman Kallick Plante Moran discussed at this 2012 Financial Executives Forum session why this year may be a once-in-a-lifetime tax planning opportunity for both businesses and wealthy ...

The basic foundation for every core legacy plan starts with five documents: a will, an irrevocable or living trust, a durable power of attorney for financial management, an advanced medical directive, and a HIPAA release. John Forster, a partner with the law firm of Baker Hostetler, who has interviewed some of the most successful families in the U....

When it comes to buying a new home, there can be many unknowns. However, uncovering the issues and hidden risks earlier in the process can help you make a more informed buying decision. As part of your lifestyle and property management best practices, there are four important questions—including matters of insurance and geographical risks—that shou...

A solid governance structure is critical to any private trust company’s long-term success. Through a thoughtful review that includes useful diagrams and outlines, learn the common elements of the PTC structure; the Board role and responsibilities; the Board attributes, composition, selection process, and succession planning; and addi...

How can an organization be confident it is agile enough to react to the unknown and the evolving risk landscape? One of the best ways is by establishing a strong risk culture. In this e-book, Baker Tilly practitioners take a closer look at some of the critical risks that organizations are dealing with now, how those risks have evolved in recent yea...

Selecting the right trustee is one of the most important decisions a grantor will make. The role of trustee has evolved significantly over the 21st century, and today’s trustee needs to recognize that a trust is rooted in a human relationship, not just a legal one. When selecting your trustee, look for the 7 traits to help you select the righ...

Serving as a trustee for your family can be a valuable experience for you, while also providing an important service to your family. But before you accept the position, make sure that you understand the role you will play for the family and are willing to accept the responsibilities and liability that come with it.

Unlike trustees, who have very specific fiduciary duties spelled out for them in our trust laws, beneficiaries don’t have much guidance to help them in the role of beneficiary. Our answers to these frequently asked questions should help provide guidance on how to be a good beneficiary and your rights as a beneficiary under Michigan law.

When it comes to selecting trustees, families often choose family members to serve in this role. However, if you agree to serve as a trustee, you become a “fiduciary” who must understand all of your fiduciary duties and perform them all. This is vital because even if you do not understand your duties, you can still be held liable for violating...

To effectively serve as a trustee, it's crucial to understand your fiduciary duties. Even trustees with the best of intentions can create liability for themselves by being unprepared for the job or by not fully understanding their obligations. Learn more about some of the common mistakes family trustees make that can lead to lawsuits and other...

Families with complex assets, such as family businesses, as well as those who have portfolios managed by multiple advisors, may find trustees reluctant to administer their trusts. This is because, in many states, the trustees remain liable for the actions of delegated third-parties or even named advisors. Delaware directed trusts can alleviate this...

The U.S. Supreme Court will revisit state tax nexus for the second year in a row after granting North Carolina’s petition for certiorari in North Carolina Department of Revenue v. The Kimberley Rice Kaestner 1992 Family Trust (Docket No. 18-457). Kaestner and Fielding could have significant implications on the state taxation of trusts. All multista...