Sarah M. Richards

My focus

I concentrate my practice in three main areas:

Estate Planning & Administration

I help families with solutions to issues with transferring wealth while minimizing taxes. Many opportunities exist for wealth planning in the generational transfer of businesses, retirement plans, life insurance, real estate and other assets, and I enjoy the challenge of finding solutions that work for each family. For example, recently I identified a novel end-of-life planning opportunity that could save a family $3 million of estate tax. Additionally, I utilize tools for estate planning that can be used post-mortem in order to meet changed family needs. I represent families in other states and countries, utilizing resources within the firm or partnering with local counsel. I also advise in will and trust contests before and while in litigation.

Trust Administration

I serve as trustee or as counsel to the trustee for families whose wealth is entrusted to us for investment, tax planning and distribution to family members or other beneficiaries.

Private Charitable Foundation Management

Private charitable foundations enjoy exemption from income tax if they stay within a complex and evolving web of rules. I work with private foundations to ensure that all regulatory requirements are strictly followed while fulfilling the donor’s intentions.

I also teach estate administration in seminars for legal professionals.

Looking ahead

I see changes in federal tax law providing more opportunities to develop creative strategies for transferring wealth. Also, as the regulatory framework for estate and gift taxation and charitable foundations evolves, the need for thoughtful tax and financial analysis will continue to grow.