For high-net-worth individuals, estate planning is more than just deciding who gets what. How assets are titled, transferred, or held can trigger unexpected legal and financial consequences — especially when it comes to capital gains. While many focus on estate and gift taxes, overlooking how capital gains interact with your legal structures can derail your legacy goals.
Reena Gulati Blog
Many families today hold real estate through LLCs for asset protection and liability reasons. At the same time, more and more are using revocable and irrevocable trusts as part of their estate plan to avoid probate, protect privacy, and plan for smooth wealth transfers.rnrnBut what happens when those two tools intersect?rnrnCan a trustee automatically step into the shoes of a deceased LLC member? Will the operating agreement recognize that trustee as a valid decision-maker? And what if it doesn’t?rnrnThese questions often come up during moments of transition—after the death of a parent, during a refinance, or when it’s time to sell inherited real estate. At that point, if the documents weren’t set up to speak to each other, the result is confusion, delay, and sometimes conflict.
Many people believe trusts are only for the ultra-wealthy, but they're actually valuable planning tools for many families. As a trust attorney serving clients throughout Long Island and New York, I often find that understanding trust income is a key concern for both trustees and beneficiaries.
Most people think a will is enough. It’s not, especially when your family is left sorting through court filings, unexpected delays, and costly legal fees after you're gone.rnrnA revocable living trust is one of the most powerful tools in estate planning, offering flexibility during your lifetime and simplicity after your death. Unlike a will, a revocable trust allows your chosen trustee to manage and distribute your assets without court intervention. That means no probate. No waiting. No confusion.
