In the latest episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, Michael Clear and Erin Nicholls discuss the implications of the OBBBA legislation on estate and gift planning strategies, including why it may be more tax-efficient to gift during your lifetime as opposed to transferring wealth at death. They also delve into the connection between trusts and divorce, highlighting recent troubling court cases. Michael and Erin encourage listeners to remain proactive in their estate planning as laws and strategies evolve.

In this episode of Future Focused: Sophisticated Estate Planning, host Michael Clear welcomes back Dan Maloney, Senior Practice Manager, discussing the introduction of "Will Power," an automation bot designed to streamline the drafting process from preparation of documents to task tracking and data collection. An example of robotic process automation, this innovative tool significantly reduces overall time spent on redundant and highly manual tasks, integrating seamlessly with existing systems to enhance workflow efficiency. From development through to implementation, the focus was always to enhance accuracy, minimize errors, and deliver faster, more predictable results to clients. In pursuit of these objectives, Dan and Michael also explore emerging technologies and innovative solutions to further elevate the practice of Private Client Services.

In this episode, host Michael Clear is joined by Matt Brown, a Litigation Partner at Wiggin and Dana, to explore the human side of probate litigation. Their conversation sheds light on the emotional challenges that often accompany major life events, such as the loss of a loved one. They emphasize the value of thorough preparation and maintaining composure in the courtroom, underscoring how honesty and clear communication can strengthen credibility. The discussion also examines the increasing role of mediation in resolving disputes outside of court and highlights the importance of proactive planning to reduce potential conflicts, while acknowledging that some disputes may be inevitable.