Trusts & Estates
The attorneys in Sherrard & Roe’s Trusts and Estates Group have broad experience in all aspects of trusts and estates, estate planning and estate and trust administration. Two members of the Group have been elected as Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estates Counsel and Best Lawyers of America. Group members frequently speak to professionals at continuing education seminars on a variety of estate planning matters. We represent a diverse group of individuals and families from varying backgrounds. Our areas of practice can be further illustrated as follows: Estate Planning.
The gift and estate tax laws change frequently as do the strategies for reducing these taxes. We are skilled in the complicated tax, trust, probate and property laws governing the transfer of assets. We are sensitive to the many family and personal issues faced by our clients as they address these matters. Because of Sherrard & Roe’s extensive representation of corporations and other businesses, we have significant experience in estate and succession planning for business owners and executives. In addition, we are frequently asked to assist our clients with both pre and post-nuptial agreements as well as with proper planning for the disposition of retirement plan benefits. Charitable Giving. As techniques to further our clients’ philanthropic objectives and to reduce estate taxation, we frequently assist our clients with charitable giving through charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, private foundations, and the like. In addition, we represent public charities and private foundations with respect to formation, administration and governance, transactional matters, and compliance with federal and state laws affecting charitable and othe r nonprofit organizations. Estate Advice and Administration.
We frequently represent executors and beneficiaries with respect to the administration of estates, including the preparation of the required federal and state estate tax filings and post mortem planning. We are also prepared to assist in carrying out various functions of the executor, such as collecting, valuing and disposing of assets and maintaining estate records. Trust Advice and Administration.
Our representation of existing trusts, their trustees and their beneficiaries can range from advising a trustee or beneficiary concerning the proper interpretation of trust provisions to assisting with the effective exercise of powers of appointment to seeking the removal or appointment of a trustee. We also advise regarding the income taxation of trusts to both fiduciaries and beneficiaries. Estate and Trust Litigation.
We handle a variety of contested trust and estate matters, including complex will contests, at all trial, administrative and appellate levels. We defend executors and trustees in proceedings challenging the manner in which they have discharged their fiduciary duties. We also represent beneficiaries of substantial estates and trusts in litigation seeking to assert their rights.
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