Trusts, Estates, Probate

The firm has the ability to assist clients in their personal and business financial planning, typically in light of federal estate, gift and income tax law. Our attorneys clients have included: owners of closely-held, privately owned businesses; professionals; investors; and executives.

Estate Planning
Halling + Sokol can assist clients in transferring their family wealth to spouses or members of younger generations (both during their clients' lifetimes and upon their death) in ways that minimize estate, gift, income and generation-skipping transfer taxes.

Our attorneys develop trusts and make insurance arrangements to provide clients with asset management, liquidity and tax savings. We prepare powers of attorney and related documents in the event of a client's anticipated disability. Our estate attorneys have expertise in assisting clients with charitable gift planning, including various charitable trusts and private foundations.

Trust and Probate Administration
Our attorneys supervise the administration of trusts and estates of decedents, minors and incapacitated persons, which often involves court proceedings. Administration includes what is commonly referred to as "probate."

Business Planning
The firm’s attorneys assist small business owners in the preparation of buy-sell or similar stock purchase agreements to ensure a smooth transition of management upon the owner's death or disability. We also assist in structuring businesses to expedite orderly transfer of ownership or facilitate liquidation.

Contested Matters
Collectively we have a broad range of experience dealing with many contested matters, including will contests, suits by or against fiduciaries, creditors' claims by or against estates, and other probate, guardianship and trust administration matters involving the litigation of estate and trust beneficiaries' rights and the protection of executors and trustees.