On January 1, 2024, the federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) took effect, mandating that “reporting companies” register with, and provide certain information to, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s … [Read more...]
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS: WHEN TO HAVE THEM, WHEN TO AVOID THEM
July 3, 2024
Beneficiary designations in theory sound like a wonderful idea. Clients are able to name individuals to receive the assets in the account upon their death without probate. However, having a … [Read more...]
EXPLORING THE PROS & CONS OF PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS
July 3, 2024
More and more, clients are integrating charitable giving into their estate plans. Private foundations and donor advised funds are effective vehicles for facilitating charitable wishes. However, each … [Read more...]
HALF A CENTURY OF JUSTICE: REFLECTIONS ON A 50-YEAR LEGAL CARE
July 3, 2024
Last year, our own William J. Britt was honored by the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association (GBBA) at its annual meeting in recognition of his 50-year legal practice and GBBA membership. Several BW … [Read more...]
THE CTA FINAL COUNTDOWN BEGINS: GET READY!
December 15, 2023
On January 1, 2024, the federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) will take effect. The CTA combats money laundering and other illicit conduct by attempting to thwart the improper use of shell … [Read more...]
HOW DOES THE CTA AFFECT ESTATE PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION?
December 15, 2023
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) defines a “beneficial owner” of a “reporting company” as any individual who, directly or indirectly, either exercises substantial control over a reporting company … [Read more...]
NEW PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS & HOW TO APPEAL THEM
December 15, 2023
Homeowners and property owners may have received or may soon be receiving written notice from their local Assessor’s Office that their town or city has revalued (and most likely increased) their … [Read more...]
THE ESTATE PLANNING IMPACT OF 2024 INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS IMPOSED BY THE IRS
December 15, 2023
The IRS has released annual inflation adjustments for 2024. These include increased gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer tax (“GST”) exemptions and annual gift tax exclusions. The changes are … [Read more...]
BW ATTORNEYS PRESENT AT HOT TOPICS IN PROBATE SEMINAR SPONSORED BY THE CONNECTICUT PROBATE ASSEMBLY AND THE CONNECTICUT BAR ASSOCIATION
November 16, 2023
Douglas Brown, Heather Lange, and David Hermenze gave presentations on trust accountings and fiduciary fees at the bi-annual Hot Topics in Probate seminar sponsored by the Connecticut Probate Assembly … [Read more...]
KIMBERLY SMITH APPOINTED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF ESTATES & PROBATE SECTION OF CBA
November 16, 2023
Kimberly Smith has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Estates & Probate Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. … [Read more...]