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Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom

Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom

By: Danielle Friedman Herb Fineburg & Max McCauley Offit Kurman
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 Welcome to “Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom,” the podcast where we unravel the complexities of estates and trusts to empower you with the knowledge needed for effective legacy planning. This podcast is your guide through the intricate landscapes of wills, trusts, and probate. Thank you for joining us — we hope you find the discussions informative, but remember, when it comes to legal matters, always consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific case. Podcast Legal Disclaimer Welcome to "Trust Us: Estate Planning Wisdom," it's important to note that the content presented in this podcast is for general understanding and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice nor should itnot be construed as legal advice. The information provided in this podcast is based on general legal principles and may not reflect the current state of the law or specific details of your case. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and legal outcomes can be highly dependent on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship between the hosts, guests, or participants and any listener. If you require legal advice or representation, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney who can assess your individual situation and provide guidance tailored to your needs. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, legal topics are complex and subject to change. Therefore, we make no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts, guests, and participants will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss arising from the use of the information provided. It is your responsibility to seek professional legal advice for your specific situation from a licensed professional attorney in your state.© 2025 Offit Kurman Economics
Episodes
  • The Impact of One Big Beautiful Bill on Estate Planning

    The Impact of One Big Beautiful Bill on Estate Planning
    Aug 29 2025

    In this episode of Trust Us, Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss the recent changes brought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which raised the estate tax exemption level starting January 1, 2026. Despite the increased exemption, the hosts recommend continuing with estate planning and gifting during a person's lifetime due to potential future changes in the law and state inheritance taxes. They emphasize the advantages of lifetime gifting to irrevocable trusts, the importance of initiating the statute of limitations for gift tax returns, and strategies for minimizing state inheritance taxes. The episode concludes with advice to review current estate plans to maximize the benefits of the new exemption levels.

    • (00:00) - Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
    • (01:11) - Understanding the New Exemption Limits
    • (02:08) - Gifting Strategies and Exemption Usage
    • (04:04) - Potential Changes and Risks
    • (05:01) - Advantages of Using the Exemption Now
    • (07:57) - State Inheritance and Estate Tax Considerations
    • (10:40) - Reviewing and Updating Estate Plans
    • (12:24) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact our hosts.
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    13 mins
  • Choosing a Trustee: Navigating the Complexities and Key Considerations

    Choosing a Trustee: Navigating the Complexities and Key Considerations
    Jul 14 2025

    In this episode of 'Trust Us,' Danielle Friedman, Max McCauley, and Herb Fineburg discuss the critical aspects of selecting a trustee. They cover common client questions, including who should be named as a trustee, the benefits and drawbacks of having a corporate versus an individual trustee, and the specific limitations and responsibilities of beneficiary trustees. The discussion also delves into scenarios where independent trustees may be beneficial, trustee compensation, and the process for naming successor trustees. The episode aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help clients make informed decisions in their estate planning.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:51 Key Considerations in Choosing a Trustee
    02:32 Beneficiary as Trustee: Pros and Cons
    04:39 Independent Trustees and Their Benefits
    09:30 Trustee Selection: Family Members vs. Professionals
    17:41 Trustee Compensation and Responsibilities
    22:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.
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    23 mins
  • The Risks of Bad Advice

    The Risks of Bad Advice
    Feb 18 2025

    In this episode of Trust Us, Danielle Friedman, Herb Fineburg, and Max McCauley tackle the pitfalls of common estate planning advice, highlighting the risks of adding children to bank accounts or deeds purely for convenience. They discuss the adverse tax implications, potential family conflicts, and legal issues that can arise from such actions. The hosts emphasize the importance of consulting with informed professionals and suggest alternative methods, such as living trusts, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney, to achieve estate planning goals without unintended consequences.

    • (00:00) - Introduction and Overview
    • (00:56) - Risks of Adding a Child to a Checking Account
    • (02:12) - Tax Implications of Joint Accounts
    • (03:14) - Inheritance and Gift Tax Consequences
    • (04:32) - Family Strife and Legal Issues
    • (05:18) - Adding a Child to Property Deeds
    • (07:49) - Better Alternatives for Estate Planning
    • (11:01) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Danielle at danielle.friedman@offitkurman.com, Herb at hfineburg@offitkurman.com, and Max at cmccauley@offitkurman.com.

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    15 mins
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