Maryland Business and Estate Law Firm

James A. List, Esquire
The Law Offices of James A. List, LLC

What is a trustee? What do they do? What are their qualifications? Who should we use?

These questions and many similar ones often fill up estate planning appointments. The need for qualified trustees continues to grow for many reasons. Families with disabled members need to provide special needs supports without impacting disability benefits. Family structures have changed, and trustees are necessary to protect second spouses and to protect children from previous marriages. Some trusts are critical for estate tax planning.

Read the rest of this entry »

Anne Meltzer, CPA/ABV
Mark W. Norris, CPA/ABV, CVA, CFFA, ASA
Tucker & Meltzer Valuation Advisors

In order to transfer an interest in a privately held business for estate and gift tax planning, a business valuation is required. The first step in this process is to determine the value of the business. The second step is to determine the value of the minority interest in the business by applying discounts for minority interest and lack of marketability.

Read the rest of this entry »