Practice Areas

 Schiller Law Associates provides advice on the form and substance of corporate and partnership documentation and drafts the appropriate documents for you, including:

• Employment Agreements
• Partnership Agreements
• Buy-Sell Agreements
• By-Laws
• Articles of Incorporation
• Leases
• Minutes
• Business Sale Documentation

Our 35+ years of experience working with hundreds of businesses and professionals gives us a unique working knowledge of professional corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorships.
 

Incorporation is not for everyone. Its advantages and disadvantages must be carefully weighed, particularly in light of the forever changing tax laws.  Schiller Law Associates can assist in the evaluation of whether or not to incorporate.  The finances of the business, needs of the individuals , and non-financial factors are critically reviewed and analyzed to help you arrive at a decision which best suits your situation.
 

Schiller Law Associates handles the actual establishment of the corporation or partnership, including all related documentation and details. 

Schiller Law Associates helps clients select the most appropriate retirement plan for their needs. We provide guidance and advice when evaluating a new retirement plan, and expert review and assessment of existing plans to determine whether they continue to satisfy the needs of your business.

To help you with your needs, we can:

• Prepare summary plan descriptions and  employee notices
• Represent your business during IRS and Department of Labor audits 
• Handle terminations and mergers of retirement plans
• Coordinate plan distributions and reporting requirements
   

Plan Administration - Schiller Law Associates offers full retirement plan administration services, including calculating contributions and allocations, and preparing Participant Statements and 5500 forms (the Plan’s annual tax return). 

Ongoing involvement and experience with professionals and small businesses provides us with a unique perspective which we leverage to provide you with sound, solid advice and guidance in:

• Objective review and evaluation of existing personal financial status and advice as to future direction
• Financial planning for retirement income, estate and gift tax planning
• Income splitting
• Limited Liability arrangements
• General tax planning
• Retirement planning
• Asset protection planning
• Wills and Trusts

A well-drafted, current will is the centerpiece of every estate plan.  However, with changing tax laws and changing personal circumstances, many people have wills that are out-of-date.

Using our “Estate Planning Questionnaire”, we can analyze your finances and proactively address potential tax problems that could occur upon your death or the death of your spouse.  Since there is the possibility of a liability claim, one primary goal in planning is asset protection, and this goal is incorporated into the estate plan. Once we meet with you to determine how you would like your property distributed and family cared for upon your death, we can draft a will that meets your needs with the intent of minimizing taxes and other expenses. 

 Many people need to plan for their children’s education.  Others need to assist their elderly parents in some fashion.  There are several different ways to accomplish these goals. Some of these arrangements can also help to shift income.  Gift and estate tax savings can also be achieved.  Schiller Law Associates can review your financial and other goals and take steps to help you accomplish them, including drafting appropriate documents and taking actions such as: 

• 529 College Savings
• Trusts for minors
• Outright transfers
• Uniform Gifts to Minors Act custodial accounts
• S corporations
• Family partnerships
• GRATs or other trusts

There are a number of actions required of your executor upon your death. Some should be done immediately; others are not required for months, even years.  In addition, there are a number of important choices to be made, many of which can have an enormous impact on taxes.  For instance, should the executor select a special valuation date for the estate’s property?  Are certain deductions to be taken as income tax or estate tax deductions?  Should retirement plan proceeds be drawn out over time, rolled over or taken out as a lump sum?  Should any of the survivors exercise the right to disclaim a bequest and let it pass to the next person in line?  
As counsel to the executor, Schiller Law Associates can advise ways to further minimize taxes and other costs impacting your estate. In addition, we will guide the executor through the maze of tax returns and other necessary documents that have to be filed.

 We can assist you in objectively reviewing how much and what kind of life insurance to buy.   Since we do not sell insurance, our interests are aligned with yours in simply determining what is best for you.  In addition, we can look at ways to minimize the death taxes that can be due on life insurance proceeds.  This centers on careful consideration of the proper designation of “owner” of the policy and “beneficiary”.  Some people are best suited simply by naming a spouse as owner or beneficiary, while others are better served by setting up a special trust for insurance.  Only a careful review of your own estate will show which alternative is best for you.

 Lifetime ownership of property can have a substantial impact on taxes and costs.  How should you and your spouse allocate ownership of your property?  When is joint ownership preferable, and when will it result in additional taxes and other costs?  What investment strategies best serve your estate plan and what kind will undermine it?  In giving estate planning advice, Schiller Law Associates will help you to take a complete look at your circumstances and assist you in these matters. 

Executing a durable power of attorney is now a necessary ingredient in estate planning.  Although executed presently, it often is drafted to become effective upon your disability and allows your designee to act on your behalf.

Schiller Law Associates typically addresses “death with dignity” letters of instruction and organ donor options to ensure appropriate provisions are incorporated into estate plans.  Whatever your estate planning needs, Schiller Law Associates can provide high-quality service and personal attention to ensure your assets and family are protected and cared for, uphold your dignity, and avoid unnecessary taxes and costs that could impact your wealth.