Kanen Law Firm provides a full range of estate and tax planning services to private individuals, business owners, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and other high net worth individuals.
Our services include:
- Preparation of last will and testament, living will, and health care proxy
- Multi-jurisdictional Estate Planning
- Creation of various testamentary trusts, as well as revocable & irrevocable trusts
- Guardianship
- Asset protection
- Probate
- Estate administration services
At Kanen Law Firm, our objective is to ensure that our clients obtain the best legal advice while accomplishing their goals and maximizing their wealth.
No matter your request, we listen carefully to your needs and objectives, and will take all necessary legal measures to ensure that they are met.At Kanen Law Firm, we believe that having a well-crafted and legally sound will or trust is the most important part of planning for your family’s financial future.
Why have a Last Will and Testament or Trust?
We advocate that every person should have a last will and testament or trust instrument so that their property and assets will be distributed pursuant to their wishes. Without one, New York State would determine who gets your property in the event of your death - not an ideal circumstance for your loved ones.
Take charge of your family’s future and control how your property will be distributed upon your death. Our firm will listen carefully to your concerns and design the proper legal documents which best fit your individual needs. Each of our clients receives sophisticated advice based on current and comprehensive knowledge of complex federal estate and gift tax laws. We always integrate our clients’ personal objectives, wealth preservation, and ultimate family goals into the estate planning process.
In addition to the traditional will drafting and estate planning, Kanen Law Firm specializes in advanced planning techniques such as:
- Revocable or "living" trusts which offer the client confidentiality and continuity of asset management
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts to reduce the size of the insured's estate
- Qualified personal residence trusts which help our clients transfer a personal residence to heirs at reduced tax rates
- Grantor retained annuity trusts and sales to grantor trusts, in conjunction with family limited partnerships and limited liability companies, which help our clients transfer asset appreciation to younger generations at reduced gift and estate tax rates.
Many of our clients expand their investments and activities into the global arena, where our knowledge of multi-jurisdictional planning takes on greater importance.
Non-residents investing in U.S. situs property must adhere to strict rules to avoid U.S. tax implications. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience required to advise and assist clients in structuring such investments in a tax advantageous manner.
For clients who wish to advance their philanthropic activities, our firm also assist in creating tax qualified charitable trusts and private foundations.
Handling the passing of a family member can be an emotional and private matter
If your loved one has passed away, with or without a last will and testament, Kanen Law Firm will navigate the court practices and procedures, and take care of the administration or probate process, so that you can take care of yourself and your family during this difficult and emotional time. Our compassionate approach to these matters assures our clients that we will deal with their personal tragedy and grief in a dignified and considerate manner.
Protecting Our Clients’ Income and Assets From Creditors, Tax and Risk
We are here to protect our clients’ income and assets from creditors’ claims, tax collection and from many other potential legal risks. These risks may arise from diverse circumstances, including failed business ventures, public company directorships, personal injury claims or the termination of marital or other personal relationships.
The Attorneys at Kanen Law Firm have mastered the latest asset protection and wealth preservation techniques, which allow us to effectively plan for clients’ business succession while minimizing taxes and legal liability exposure to the greatest extent possible. There are many ways to protect financial reserves, personal property, real estate and other assets for retirement or for future generations. In addition to federal and state laws that exempt certain types of property from creditors’ claims, taxation or both, there are numerous estate planning tools that may be able to shield assets from future creditors and reduce or eliminate estate or income taxation.