A Guide To International Estate Planning

With the explosive growth in international investments, more and more lawyers and financial advisors realize the acute need to properly address critical issues of international estate planning for their clients. Whether you are counseling a foreign national or an American citizen, whether your practice is in the U.S. or abroad, whether you want to develop a general expertise in the area or are confronted by these issues on a more frequent basis, this compendium is a necessary and practical resource to help you identify and navigate many of the complex planning and regulatory compliance issues, both legal and tax, involved in international estate planning. In addition to providing a complete overview of the basic principles and procedures of international asset management from addressing the conflict of laws issues that are central in determining which country s laws will govern the disposition of a donor or decedent s wealth to the basic transfer tax rules for nonresident aliens, U.S. citizens, and resident aliens A Guide to International Estate Planning teaches proven strategies, techniques, and practical applications to use for meeting your clients international estate planning needs. Twenty-two detailed chapters are written by trust and estate lawyers with significant experience in international issues. Their advice goes beyond simply highlighting issues in estate planning, emphasizing key issues as compliance, treaty, choice of law, and estate administration problems. This updated edition now includes chapters on FATF and anti-money laundering and offshore compliance, as well as chapters from several foreign jurisdictions to provide comparative insights on different topics."

This resource provides expert and current guidance on the basic principles of international estate planning, the complex taxation issues involved, jurisdictional options, and governmental controls and reporting requirements.

International Estate Planning Strategies provides an authoritative, insiders perspective on key strategies for aiding US and international clients in developing comprehensive estate plans. Featuring partners from some of the nations leading law firms, these experts guide the reader through the process of getting to know the client and gathering all the necessary information before drafting a plan. These top lawyers offer their advice for collaborating with a team of advisors, developing innovative strategies, and ensuring all of the clients assets are incorporated. From minimizing taxation to dealing with foreign trusts, these authors discuss the steps for creating and updating effective international estate plans. Additional topics include the importance of increased transparency and staying up-to-date on changes in the area of trusts and estates. The different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great legal minds of today, as these experienced lawyers offer up their thoughts around the keys to success within this ever-evolving field.

We all know we need a will, one that is current and reflects our wishes and changing life events. So why do two-thirds of Canadians still die without a will - without a plan for passing on their assets the way they want? Why do Canadians still risk losing everything to creditors or the government, or certain relatives being awarded assets by provincial government formulas, none of which were the deceased’s intention? Approximately one out of four Canadians die suddenly, so advance will and estate planning is critical. In this third edition of the bestselling The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning, Canada’s foremost author team of experts in estate planning provide you with insights and options, practical suggestions, and authoritative guidance. You can then discuss your customized and evolving needs and wishes with your professional advisors in an informed fashion, to ensure your assets are protected and your family and beneficiary needs are met with strategic tax and estate planning. This approach will save you time, money, tax, stress, and anxiety. Using practical checklists, real-life examples, and answers to frequently asked questions, Douglas Gray, LL.B, and John Budd, F.C.A., provide helpful guidance on many important topics, including guardianship, powers of attorney, trusts, probate, special options for small and family businesses, passing on the family cottage, charitable giving, tax planning, estate planning, insurance and much more. Also includes an extensive glossary and appendix, and invaluable resource information and websites. Completely updated to reflect the latest changes in relevant legislation and taxation, and with a new chapter on preserving and increasing your net worth, The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning explains how to: Obtain expert legal advice to prepare a will to protect your interests and assets Ensure that your assets will pass to the intended beneficiaries without hassle Use special legal and estate planning strategies to protect your business Avoid family feuds and spousal disputes Minimize or avoid income taxes and capital gains taxes through strategic tax and estate planning Use the latest tax laws to maximize the benefits of charitable giving Don’t let the government be your principal beneficiary – take the time to plan ahead!

Often members of the public think that their estate needs are met simply by creating a will and holding assets jointly. What they do not realize is the many other tools available to them in the financial and legal fields, and advice sought in one field does not guarantee information flowing on tools used in the other. Uniquely, this book arms the general public with the knowledge to make intelligent choices among the many tools in both fields.

Nationally known estate planning authority Louis A. Mezzullo provides comprehensive yet practical advice for designing an effective buy-sell agreement to be used as an exit strategy or as part of the succession or estate planning process. He explains what to consider when drafting an agreement for a C or S corporation, a partnership, or a limited liability company. Tools include the suggested terms of a well-drafted agreement, discussions about funding options, tax consequences, and valuation. Includes CD-ROM with sample agreements.