One of the things we’ve learned is that a family contract can be a valuable tool to help families build trust and avoid conflicts. We’ve also found that for a contract to work well, everyone who signs the contract should have a say in how the contract is written. That doesn’t mean you will get everything you want and, as you proba...
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The process to execute and close deals continues to challenge investors flush with cash. The trend in deal volume over the last several quarters brings this to light. Nevertheless, the M&A community continues to churn with activity as buyers and sellers try to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Whether you are a buyer or seller, the featured ...
Information security in the family office context needs to a collaborative effort between the family, the office, and any intertwined vendors. This article from Plante Moran’s IT security consulting group discusses key factors in improving the security of the family office’s confidential information.
Despite continued geopolitical instability and the media’s newfound focus on jihadist terror, equities rallied during the month on optimism that monetary policies among major central banks will continue to be quite supportive. U.S. corporate earnings for the second quarter of 2014 also came in stronger than expected, with the S&P 500 earn...
South Dakota’s favorable tax, trust and asset protection laws make it one of the top domestic asset protection jurisdictions. The January 2014 issue of Trusts & Estates magazine ranks South Dakota #1 in all categories including asset protection laws. In fact, it is the only state that ranked #1 across all categories (i.e., tax, trus...
South Dakota is the leading bank asset jurisdiction in the United States, according to the FDIC. As the leading trust, asset protection, privacy and favorable tax jurisdiction, South Dakota has attracted many wealthy families to establish trusts in South Dakota without having to live, visit or even fly over the state.
A family office and advisor team working in the best interest of the family first and foremost requires (1) working with and depending upon multidisciplinary colleagues, (2) collaborative management of the practice areas with appreciation for pragmatic give-and-take resulting in a better overall plan, (3) recognizing that team members are not ...
It’s the Fourth Quarter for corporate trustees who are burdened with the decision of how to implement the final regulations under Section 67 issued by the IRS last May. These regulations, govern the costs incurred by trusts and estates that are subject to the 2-percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions under Section 67. The regulatio...
The fixed income environment is changing, and as a result we believe opportunistic fixed income strategies with the flexibility to go anywhere are better suited to today’s market realities than traditional, duration-heavy core holdings. But because these strategies come in different shapes and sizes, we think it is important for investors to ...
The tightening of regulations around the world is prompting banks to offload a variety of financial assets onto the capital markets. Investors are aware of this opportunity. However, we think that many hold misconceptions about it because of the opaque nature of the disintermediation process, and the unfamiliar and heterogeneous nature of the asset...
Many business managers include arbitration provisions in their companies’ contracts. The prevailing philosophy being that arbitration is preferable to traditional litigation via the court system because it’s private, speedier and less expensive. Under certain circumstances, however, a party may prefer to litigate a particular dispute in...
“Internet message boards and review sites provide a venue where users- customers and pretenders alike- can offer anonymous evaluations and judgments about restaurants, hotels, medical and legal professionals and businesses," says Mitchell L. Marinello, a partner with Novack and Macey LLP. "Unfortunately, sometimes these reviews cros...
If your organization still doesn't have a social media policy, it is time to create one. "Every organization should have a social media policy that enables it to optimize the opportunities that interactive social media sites present while minimizing the attendant risks," says Kristen Werries Collier, a partner with Novack and Macey IL...
"A surprising number of us who work with business organizations or professional service firms - in offices that are otherwise orderly - let emails just pile up in our inbox, sent folder and trash bin," says John F. Shonkwiler, a partner with Novack and Macey LLP. "Don't do this. It is not a smart business practice and, if your co...
Edelman, the multi generational family owned communications specialist has released its latest research into Family Businesses and the loyalty & trust they command. This research examines the prominent paradox that has arisen in 2014, namely that while family businesses are highly trusted, the wealth they generate is criticized.