Trusts & Estates
The Trusts & Estates practice group at Gilpin Givhan is dedicated to helping individuals and families protect, preserve, and transfer their wealth with clarity and confidence. Our attorneys combine technical knowledge of estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax laws with practical experience addressing family, business, and personal considerations that shape long-term planning. We work closely with clients to develop personalized strategies that reflect their goals, values, and unique circumstances—whether focused on providing for loved ones, supporting charitable causes, or ensuring the smooth transition of a family business.
Our team also assists fiduciaries and beneficiaries in navigating the administration, management, and resolution of trusts and estates. From preparing estate plans to advising trustees, from structuring lifetime gifts to guiding clients through the probate process, we offer thoughtful, comprehensive counsel designed to reduce complexity, minimize tax exposure, and safeguard family legacies for future generations.
Estate & Trust Planning>
Thoughtful estate and trust planning provides the foundation for protecting assets and ensuring they are distributed according to a client’s wishes. We work with individuals and families to create wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and other essential documents that promote clarity, continuity, and security. Our attorneys focus on developing plans that balance control and flexibility while addressing family dynamics, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries, and preserving privacy. Whether preparing a simple estate plan or implementing more advanced structures, we help clients establish a roadmap that reflects their values and provides peace of mind.
Wealth Transfer Planning>
Effective wealth transfer planning requires a deep understanding of the estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax systems. We assist clients in designing and implementing strategies that minimize transfer tax exposure while ensuring assets pass smoothly to the next generation. Our work includes lifetime gifting programs, valuation planning, family limited partnerships and LLCs, generation-skipping strategies, and the use of sophisticated trusts tailored to each client’s goals. For business owners, we integrate succession considerations to ensure both tax efficiency and business continuity. Our goal is to help clients preserve more of what they have built and transfer it in a thoughtful, intentional manner.
Fiduciary & Beneficiary Representation>
Trustees, executors, and beneficiaries often face complex legal responsibilities and expectations. We advise fiduciaries on the proper administration of estates and trusts, including compliance with governing documents, prudent investment standards, accounting obligations, and distributions. For beneficiaries, we provide guidance on their rights, communicate with fiduciaries on their behalf, and help resolve disputes when they arise. Our attorneys work to prevent conflict whenever possible and, when necessary, advocate for our clients in negotiations or litigation to ensure interests are protected and obligations are fulfilled.
Probate & Estate Administration>
The probate and estate administration process can be time-consuming and emotionally challenging. Our attorneys guide families through every step—from initiating probate and gathering assets to addressing debts, preparing accountings, and distributing property to beneficiaries. We coordinate with financial institutions, appraisers, and tax professionals to ensure the estate is administered efficiently and in full compliance with applicable laws. Whether the estate is straightforward or involves complex assets, business interests, or family dynamics, we provide steady, knowledgeable support that helps ease the burden during a difficult time.