Every Claim.
Every Source.

Probate costs typically range from 3–10% of the gross estate value, including attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and appraisal fees.

Average probate proceedings take 12–24 months to complete, with complex estates taking 3–5 years.

Studies and attorney surveys indicate that a significant majority of revocable trusts end in probate due to improper funding — assets acquired after trust creation that were never retitled.

70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation; 90% is lost by the third generation. The primary cause is not financial mismanagement but lack of communication and family governance.

The federal estate tax rate is 40% on taxable estates above the applicable exclusion amount. IRS Publication 559.

The OBBB permanently raised the federal estate and gift tax exemption to $15M per individual ($30M per married couple), indexed for inflation starting 2027. The 40% federal estate tax rate applies above these thresholds. The TCJA sunset was eliminated — there is no reversion to lower exemption levels. This is now permanent law.

17 states and Washington D.C. impose estate or inheritance taxes. Inheritance tax rates range from 5–18% depending on the state and relationship to the deceased.

The annual gift tax exclusion for 2025 is $19,000 per recipient ($38,000 for married couples using gift-splitting). Gifts above this amount count against the lifetime exemption. Under OBBB, the lifetime exemption is $15M per person.

Private foundations are subject to excise tax on net investment income (1.39%), minimum distribution requirements (5% annually), and prohibited transaction rules.

Cash contributions to private foundations are deductible up to 30% of AGI. Appreciated property contributions are deductible up to 20% of AGI, with 5-year carryforward.

There are approximately 100,000+ private foundations in the United States, holding over $1 trillion in assets.

Private foundation assets grow completely tax-free within the foundation. The foundation pays only 1.39% excise tax on net investment income.

Americans gave approximately $499.33 billion to charity in 2022. Corporate foundations and private foundations account for a significant portion of institutional giving.

U.S. foundations awarded over $90 billion in grants in 2022. Government grants add hundreds of billions more annually.

Donor-advised funds offer simplicity; private foundations offer control, permanence, and family employment. The right choice depends on the level of control and legacy desired.

AI tools are increasingly used in legal research, document review, and contract analysis. The ABA has issued guidance on the ethical use of AI in legal practice.

Intangible assets — including IP — now represent over 90% of the value of S&P 500 companies, up from 17% in 1975.

Digital assets and online accounts are increasingly recognized as estate assets. Many states have enacted the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA).

The choice of business entity (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) significantly impacts both income tax and estate tax treatment of business interests.

Irrevocable trusts, LLCs, and family limited partnerships are among the most commonly used asset protection vehicles for high-net-worth individuals.

Only 20–30% of businesses that go to market actually sell. Proper succession planning — including buy-sell agreements and trust structures — dramatically improves outcomes.