Estate planning is one of the nicest things you can do for your family. It tells your family and the court system how you want your assets distributed upon your death. Be mindful that if you do not have an estate plan, even a simple will, your assets will be dispersed and the legal affairs of your estate will be resolved solely based upon Kentucky law. A well thought-out plan will not only attend to your legal needs, but will also address your personal concerns and goals.

Estate planning isn’t only for people with established families, a defined amount of wealth, or certain type of assets. Anyone with young children can have as much or more at stake if their estate plan does not provide for the care or protection of their children. For the single person or couple with complex tax planning needs, the urgency of formulating an effective estate plan may seem much more evident. 

My practice is concentrated in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning and asset protection. In developing an estate plan, I listen to you. Your goals and objectives, whether it be equalizing assets among children, transferring a business, or minimizing taxes, are my primary concern. My intent is to gain a full understanding of your particular requirements and desires. Appreciating the family dynamic is imperative to successful planning.

When planning an estate, I include considerations of lifetime gifting (and the Federal gift tax), incapacity, special needs planning, and  protection of assets during my clients’ lifetime, as well as end of life decisions involving living wills and other advance directives, so that the value of their assets and the wealth they have accumulated in their estate will be available for their benefit and the benefit of their family and loved ones.

What I enjoy most about estate planning and my area of practice is the client interaction. I am dedicated to each client I represent. By providing a comprehensive approach to the client's planning situation, I strive to ensure a mutual understanding, to maintain direct contact, and to obtain the results desired by my client.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

• Preparation of basic estate planning instruments, including wills, revocable trusts, durable powers of attorney for financial matters, durable powers of attorney for health care and living will directives.
• Estate tax planning that secures the marital deduction, estate tax exemption, and charitable deductions.
• Sophisticated estate planning for high net worth individuals, including structuring and preparation of limited liability companies, limited partnerships, grantor retained annuity trusts, qualified personal residence trusts and grantor trusts (including intentionally defective grantor trusts), along with all related documents
• Succession planning for owners of closely-held businesses.
• Preparation of irrevocable life insurance trusts and premium financing arrangements.
• Charitable planning, including charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, supporting organizations, and private foundations.
• Preparation of estate tax returns and gift tax returns, as well as all documents related to the administration of trusts and estates.
• Achieve and maintain close personal and professional relationships with clients.
• Currently responsible for clients located in Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia, Delaware, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida as well as clients with either dual citizenship or with citizenship solely in another country.

BEFORE MCBRAYER

I began my career with the IRS as an estate and gift tax attorney. This position allowed me the opportunity to work with many accomplished practicing attorneys and gave me invaluable insight to the IRS examination process. I know how to work with the IRS and answer questions before they arise.