Martin M. Shenkman

Either a Clinton or Trump presidency could potentially bring changes in estate tax laws, so start preparing now.

The IRS has proposed regulations that could reduce or eliminate valuation discounts for the wealthy by the end of the year.

Planners may be called on to invest assets within a client’s trust, but the ability to do so can vary greatly. What's more, the election outcome could eliminate some trusts altogether.

If a client becomes incapacitated, who will give the financial planner directions?

Examining these issues may take the guesswork out of a client's estate plan.

Revocable trusts have been used mainly to avoid probate, but they also can help with a variety of unwelcome contingencies.

Though it can be hard to give a up a home, there are significant tax advantages for the ultra-wealthy to move before — or even after — the challenges of old age set in.

Planners need to understand some of the functions that might be included in a modern trust.

Planners should know about swap powers to help clients realize their tax and asset-protection benefits.

While these documents may seem routine, advisors should check whether clients need to revise existing provisions. Here's what to look for.

With estate-tax exemptions higher than they used to be, other issues (like income tax) may now be more important for some clients. Here are several planning issues that deserve a rethink.

Some advisors already consider it the new Swiss Army knife of financial planning. But how can you use these for your clients?

The impact of last week’s tax accord in Congress -- officially known as the American Tax Relief Act of 2012 -- is likely to be far wider and more complex than many have imagined. And many of these complexities will directly impact financial advisors.