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Estate Planning Insights

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

10 Ways to Protect the Wealth You Have Built 

May 2, 2025 - Regardless of wealth level, everyone's assets are at risk, and it is critical to put together a plan to safeguard them. Learn 10 ways to…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Estate Planning During Times of Market Volatility

March 25, 2025 - Market volatility isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. From gifting strategies and GRATs to Roth conversions and tax-loss harvesting, downturns can create unique financial planning…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

What Is “One Big, Beautiful Bill” and What Does It Have to Do With Estate Planning?

March 12, 2025 - The potential expiration of 2017 tax cuts has created uncertainty around estate tax planning. Our latest Insight explores how the proposed “one big, beautiful bill”…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Special Needs Trusts:  The Fundamentals

December 5, 2024 - Special needs trusts (SNTs) help families provide for loved ones with disabilities while safeguarding eligibility for critical government benefits.

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Why State Taxes Matter in Estate Planning

November 11, 2024 - On January 1, 2026, the federal estate tax exemption amount is scheduled to automatically decrease from $13.99 million per person (in 2025) to approximately $7…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Trusts as IRA Beneficiaries

April 16, 2024 - This article examines the critical considerations for selecting a trust as an IRA beneficiary post-Secure Act, including the types of trusts that qualify and the…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

The Sunset is Not Worth Waiting For

April 5, 2024 - Estate Tax Planning Strategies in 2024: Learn about strategies to navigate estate taxes before changes take effect in 2026. Options include Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

2024 Gift, Estate, and GST Tax Changes

December 4, 2023 - Partner Paul Chmielewski highlights the gift, estate and GST tax changes for 2024.

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Not Worried About Federal Estate Taxes? Ten Reasons You Still Need an Estate Plan

November 20, 2023 - Estate planning is crucial for all adults, not just those with taxable estates. From addressing income tax considerations to managing digital assets, estate planning ensures…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Promissory Notes: A Way to Lock In Estate Tax Exemption Amounts

October 4, 2023 - Gift and estate tax exemption amounts are may sunset at the end of 2025. For those wary of losing control over significant traditional assets, promissory…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Sell Your Business and Create a Family Legacy

August 14, 2023 - The sale of a business often represents the largest financial event in the business owner’s life. Partner Paul Chmielewski discusses the important pre- and post-sale…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Judith Gordon

Principal

Estate Planning

Reading Between the Lines: Crafting A Compassionate Letter of Instructions for Your Testamentary Wishes

August 7, 2023 - While legal documents provide the structural framework for your estate planning, a compassionate letter of instructions captures the nuances of your personal wishes, ensuring clarity…

Judith Gordon, Principal

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

A Guide to Charitable Gifting Options

June 22, 2023 - Discover the power of purposeful giving with our guide on current charitable gifting options. Explore Private Foundations, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and Donor Advised Funds to…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Having Your Cake and Eating It Too!

May 23, 2023 - Discover the intricacies of carried interest transfers in estate planning with our in-depth guide, "Having Your Cake and Eating It Too!" Learn about the IRS…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

Which Is Better-A Will or Revocable Trust?

February 14, 2023 - A common decision when creating an estate plan is whether to use a will or a revocable living trust. There is a lot of confusion…

Paul Chmielewski, Partner