Generation skipping transfer tax planning may also be incorporated. Also included are other trusts customary to integrated planning, such as Heritage Trusts for children, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and special purpose trusts for a spouse or others. Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, Medical Powers of Attorney and other appropriate ancillary documents are also typically included. The fee for the settlement of an estate or trust varies considerably depending upon the extent of the estate planning prior to death, the size of the estate, and the complexity of the assets owned, and the dispositive, business, and estate tax issues involved. Services for a client to whom the firm has provided estate planning services will often be somewhat less that for those for whom the client has not provided estate planning services.
Gross estate means the total property of the decedent as defined under federal estate tax law.
The firm does not charge for long distance telephone and incidental photocopying. A deposit against expenses is typically required in the amount of the expected expenses, or expenses may be paid directly. Although the firm attempts to obtain travel and lodging at a reasonable cost, such bookings are in the discretion of the firm and dependent upon the schedule of those performing services. Authorization for business class or better is required international travel.