Situations and Solutions
Behind every complex financial life is a story shaped by transitions, responsibilities, and long-term vision. The examples below reflect how coordinated planning, thoughtful structuring, and active oversight come together to support families across generations.
Proactive Estate Planning Strategies and Solutions
Situation
A trust beneficiary was scheduled to receive a substantial age-based inheritance under the terms of an existing Irrevocable Trust. Years after the trust was created, the beneficiary was diagnosed with Autism, raising concerns about long-term financial management and the potential impact on disability income eligibility.
The family sought guidance on alternatives to a full distribution of several million dollars at age thirty, with the goal of protecting assets while ensuring lifetime support.
Strategy
SlateStone collaborated with the family and outside estate planning counsel to evaluate estate planning strategies that would preserve flexibility and long-term protection.
A Trust Decanting strategy was recommended to transfer (“pour out”) the original trust assets into a newly drafted Supplemental Needs Trust. This structure allowed the beneficiary to receive income from the trust while preserving principal and maintaining eligibility for disability income benefits.
Intended Objectives
The revised trust structure provided:
- Long-term income support
- Preservation of disability benefits
- Protection and growth of assets
- Multi-generational estate planning alignment
Outcome
SlateStone coordinated with legal counsel to implement the strategy and continues to provide ongoing wealth planning and investment oversight to support the beneficiary’s long-term financial security.
Impactful Charitable Planning
Situation
A business owner preparing to sell a highly profitable company faced significant capital gains exposure. At the same time, he and his family were already considering several charitable initiatives, including funding a community swimming pool in the town where he and his wife first met.
The primary objective was to reduce the tax impact of the business sale while creating a meaningful and lasting philanthropic legacy.
Strategy
In coordination with the client’s legal and accounting team, SlateStone recommended transferring a percentage of the business ownership into a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) prior to the company’s sale.
This pre-sale charitable planning strategy allowed the donated shares to be sold within the DAF, eliminating capital gains tax on that portion of the proceeds while generating a charitable deduction to carry forward in future years.
Intended Objectives
The Donor Advised Fund:
- Eliminated capital gains tax on a significant portion of the business sale
- Created a substantial charitable deduction
- Provided flexibility for ongoing philanthropic distributions
Outcome
SlateStone manages the multimillion-dollar charitable fund and additional assets, helping the family balance philanthropic goals with long-term wealth preservation and lifestyle planning.
Sudden Wealth Planning
Situation
Following tragic circumstances, a sole heir and his young family received a multimillion-dollar financial settlement, along with an unexpected inheritance of multiple properties and operating businesses.
The sudden complexity of estate, tax, legal, and investment considerations required immediate coordination and long-term wealth planning.
Strategy
SlateStone helped assemble a coordinated team of tax, insurance, and estate planning professionals to address urgent matters and establish a comprehensive framework for long-term financial security.
The resulting wealth plan included:
- Advanced trust document creation
- Life insurance strategy design
- Multi-generational tax modeling
- Asset allocation across traditional and alternative investments
SlateStone served as the central coordinator throughout the trust creation and funding process, utilizing multiple wealth planning scenarios to determine which assets were most appropriate for each trust structure based on present and future taxation considerations.
Intended Objectives
The strategy provided:
- Structured protection for the client’s spouse and children
- Long-term wealth preservation across generations
- Coordinated trust administration and governance
- Active investment oversight and risk management
Outcome
SlateStone’s advisory team continues to serve in a Trustee Advisory capacity while managing assets across a diversified, multi-strategy investment plan.
Planning With Clarity and Confidence
If you’re facing complex decisions or planning for a new stage of life, thoughtful planning can help bring clarity and direction. We welcome the opportunity to help you evaluate options and move forward with confidence.