High-net worth legacy planning

It takes special knowledge, experience, focus, and expertise to advise higher net worth families through the maze that is the Internal Revenue Code, and Trust Laws. High net worth families face many obstacles when attempting to create and pass a legacy for their loved ones.  This is especially true for those who want to minimize estate taxes, and maximize asset and wealth protection. When it comes to the future of your wealth, there are three options: your chosen beneficiaries (often family), charity, or the government. Advanced estate planning and  ongoing advise to maintain and administer your plan, can do wonders for your family legacy.

Attorney Mark Skandier began his legal career working for a family-office investment company, created to serve a billionaire.  The position entailed a high degree of collaboration, and focused on SPV planning, private equity funds, LP investments, seed and mezzanine funding, waterfall distributions, and securities laws and exemptions (often Regulation D).  Attorney Skandier then served as a corporate, trust, and tax attorney in the US Virgin Islands, advising ultra-high-net-worth clients on tax issues, economic development program opportunities, international banking, and casino/hotel laws.  Attorney Skandier advocates collaborating with a group of professionals to help high net worth families to deal with the various traps associated with building and passing wealth from generation to generation. 

Whatever your needs, Attorney Skandier is has developed a history of advising families with high-value portfolios. He spends many hours teaching and collaborating with financial advisors, CPAs, and other professionals throughout the country to help other professionals assist their high-net-worth clients. Attorney Skandier has spoken at numerous conferences — educating attorneys, advisors, and other professionals and their clients. He is published in STEP Journal (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), which is distributed worldwide to family offices and other high-net-worth family advisors.

Private Wealth Counsel’s HNW Client Maintenance & Education Program was specifically developed to serve high net worth families, for an annual fee, with no hourly billing. HNW families have come to rely on Attorney Skandier as their “first stop,” when seeking advice on the various issues that arise during their lifetime.

Estate taxes

While states often impose a tax on the estate of a decedent, the federal estate tax looms large for high net worth individuals and families. Appreciated property, life insurance, stock ownership, annuities, retirement accounts, and real property holdings will all affect the value of your estate, and can all be incorporated into a well-organized plan.

Transactions; mergers & acquisitions

Attorney Mark Skandier has unique experience in transactional corporate law, including shareholder agreements, buy-sell agreements, corporate formalities, stock-purchase agreements, and much more. He also has experience in international acquisitions, small business sales, and other transactional matters. If you plan on privately investing in, purchasing, or selling a business, be absolutely sure to consult a corporate attorney first.

Business succession planning

Every small, medium and large business owner needs a succession plan in place. Who will manage your company when you no longer can? Who will own it? How much is it worth? These are all the critical questions that every business owner should consider and plan for. Mark combines his knowledge of business and estate planning to offer true expertise to the small business owner and his/her family.