In this episode of "Splitting Heirs," host Warren K. Racusin speaks with Lowenstein's Bridget Harris and Stacy Singer, National Practice Leader for Trust and Wealth Advisory Services at Northern Trust, about the intersection of religion and estate planning. The conversation explores religious divorce and the role of prenuptial agreements, whether estate plans can condition inheritance on marrying within a faith, traditional Jewish inheritance rules and planning strategies, and how Islamic inheritance principles may differ from secular estate planning. They also discuss why clients seeking to align their estate plans with religious beliefs should carefully consider how those traditions interact with applicable law.

Speakers:

Warren K. Racusin, Of Counsel, Trusts & Estates
Bridget Harris, Senior Counsel, Trusts & Estates
Stacy E. Singer, National Practice Leader for Trust and Wealth Advisory Services, Northern Trust

In this episode of Splitting Heirs, host Warren K. Racusin invites Lowenstein partner Michael N. Gooen and Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, the founding principal of Drayson Mews, a mental health advisory firm that counsels wealthy individuals and families on mental health issues, to discuss the tax planning technique known as a grantor retained annuity trust ("GRAT"). The conversation explains the tax benefits of a GRAT, as well as the nuances required to successfully carry it out. The episode also analyzes the psychological effects first generation wealth and inherited fortunes can have if not planned for carefully.

Speakers:

Warren K. Racusin, Of Counsel, Trusts & Estates
Michael N. Gooen, Partner, Trusts & Estates
Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, (J.D., Ph.D.), Founder and Principal, Drayson Mews

In this episode of Splitting Heirs, partners Beth Shapiro Kaufman, National Chair of Private Client Services and Trusts and Estates Chair, and Kristin V. Taylor join host Warren K. Racusin to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill through a tax and estates lens. They talk about "permanence" in the tax law while explaining the new estate and income tax benefits in OB3. Kaufman, Taylor, and Racusin elaborate on and debunk some of the bill's hot topics, including no tax on tips, no tax on social security benefits, SALT deductions, QSBS, and the 2/37ths rule.

Speakers:

Warren K. Racusin, Partner and Chair, Trusts & Estates
Beth Shapiro Kaufman, Partner, National Chair, Private Client Services
Kristin V. Taylor, Partner, Tax, Private Client Services