This presentation will discuss the most recent challenges and opportunities we have experienced as a result of the changes brought about by the pandemic. Our topics will include the much anticipated changes to the estate and gift tax laws and how the potential reduction in estate and gift tax exemptions and the loss of step-up in basis may impact planning opportunities. In addition, we will address the impact of pandemic psychology on estate planning as more people faced mortality and the desire to get one's affairs in order. We will discuss the logistical challenges and opportunities we experienced in providing estate planning services to our clients via Zoom calls, WebEx hearings and senior facility lockdowns to name a few. We will also discuss the dangers of taking a DIY approach to estate planning to avoid the challenges above. We will focus on how probate avoidance planning is more important than ever to help avoid many of these new struggles. Finally, we will touch base on the estate disputes brought about by the pandemic as beneficiaries fight with one another over mom and dad's stuff.
Aaron Bennett has a broad-based practice serving individuals and families, businesses and entrepreneurs. He especially focuses on estate and tax planning, closely held business planning and employee benefits.
Before joining Carruthers & Roth, Aaron was a client services officer at a financial planning and wealth management firm, working primarily in trust administration. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on trust and investment management. By blending that education and experience with his knowledge of the law, he is able to provide skilled counsel on financial and wealth management strategies appropriate to each client’s unique circumstances.
Chris Genheimer is a member of the Carruthers & Roth business, tax and estate planning practice where he works with a wide variety of individuals, high net worth families, entrepreneurs and closely-held family owned businesses. He focuses on helping clients with all aspects of forming, operating and transitioning family owned and closely held businesses, with an emphasis on buying and selling businesses. Chris also assists clients with estate planning, estate and trust administration and business succession planning.
Chris has experience advising individuals and businesses on obtaining Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) status, such as Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) certification and Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification. He is often asked by the attorneys in his department and across the firm to help clients navigate the complex rules and requirements of the certification process.
Before turning to law, Chris worked in research, product development and project management in the biotech industry. He has authored dozens of scientific journal articles and book chapters and is a co-inventor of two patented biotech developments. Chris actively leverages his analytical research skills honed over years in R&D to address his client's day to day legal needs.