Urge clients to communicate with estate beneficiaries: STEP expert

Succession planning and overall wealth preservation is becoming more difficult due to ever-changing rules and regulations, says Joshua Rubenstein, national head of New York-based Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP’s trusts and estates practice.

Rubenstein kicked off this year’s annual STEP Canada conference with a session on international news and how the world of estate planning is shifting. During his presentation, he stressed financial professionals must monitor tax changes, along with helping clients find the best solutions based on their individual families situations.

Also, he noted client litigation has risen. One reason is lawyers are taking contingency fees, which are collected only if a case is won. But clients are also failing to discuss their post-death wishes and plans with beneficiaries.

For more on how the current estate planning landscape follow @advisorca for more from the 18th annual STEP Canada conference or read our coverage of this year’s other STEP sessions:

Urge clients to communicate with estate beneficiaries: STEP expert Keep pace with tax changes for insurance policies IRS talks offshore reporting and second chances =

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The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.