Estate Planning and Probate and Trust Administration

The firm provides expertise in all aspects of estate planning matters. These matters include much more than the basics of drafting trusts and wills or helping the client minimize federal estate taxes. Many of the firm's clients have closely-held family businesses, so we play an important role in assisting clients with the orderly transition of the family business from one generation to the next. This includes the formation of family limited partnerships and limited liability companies. The firm is also active in assisting a family after a client's death with the orderly administration of estates and trusts. Members of the firm have actively participated in the Governor's Trust Legislation Tax Force and offer services to families and trustees who desire to change the situs of trusts to South Dakota. The firm has also specialized in assisting families and their family offices form private trust companies and establish South Dakota dynasty trusts. Two members of the firm are Fellows in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.