Klaus Gottlieb

Dec 9, 2024 | natlawreview.com | Klaus Gottlieb

In this second installment of our estate planning refresher series, we examine critical areas where even experienced practitioners can benefit from a systematic review. These insights serve both as risk management tools and technical updates for estate planning professionals, helping navigate the subtle complexities that often arise in seemingly routine matters. The simplicity of leaving everything outright to a surviving spouse often masks significant complications.

Nov 25, 2024 | natlawreview.com | Klaus Gottlieb

Even sophisticated estate planning practitioners can find themselves dealing with seemingly routine matters that harbor subtle complexities. While many firms regularly handle basic estate planning, exposure to nuanced issues - from joint tenancy implications to the technical requirements of life insurance planning - may be sporadic. This irregular engagement with complex planning scenarios can lead to oversight of critical details that materially impact client outcomes.

Nov 17, 2024 | natlawreview.com | Klaus Gottlieb

“A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” That’s Winston Churchill describing Russia in 1939. The words puzzle and paradox have long been associated with annuities, marking them as one of the most difficult financial products to demystify. Recently, there has been a significant increase in annuity sales, which has added to the enigma. Why are they suddenly becoming so popular? Estate planning attorneys should know at least some basics.

Nov 9, 2024 | natlawreview.com | Klaus Gottlieb

Education represents one of the most powerful investments families can make, with benefits extending far beyond the individual student. When our estate planning clients think about funding education, they often have tunnel vision and only consider grandchildren and their basic post-secondary education. Various publications feed into this narrow perspective, even comparing the lifetime income benefit of various majors (STEM comes out on top, liberal arts are last).

Nov 1, 2024 | natlawreview.com | Klaus Gottlieb

Legal practitioners must recognize that "endowment" carries distinct meanings depending on the stakeholder:Donor Perspective: A sum given to charity where "income" is spent while "principal" is preserved.