Delaware’s dynamic trust and estate law permits specialized and sophisticated fiduciary structures, as well as varied personal planning options for individuals and institutions. Richards Layton’s Trusts & Estates Group comprises skilled attorneys who are committed to helping their clients understand these options and achieve the best possible results. We believe in a cooperative approach, working closely with in-house counsel, investment advisors, accountants, and institutional representatives to develop coordinated and comprehensive strategies that utilize the unique advantages of Delaware law.
Institutional Clients
Our attorneys focus on helping institutions successfully administer the wealth entrusted to their oversight in a manner that best serves their clients.
Individual Clients
Richards Layton’s trusts & estates attorneys are committed to helping our individual clients manage and protect their personal wealth through the implementation of effective estate planning and tax strategies. We also help our individual clients navigate the intricacies of the fiduciary capacities in which they may be serving, ensuring that they function successfully and seamlessly in these roles.
Delaware Laws & Programs Affecting Business – 2024 Edition
2024
Delaware Laws & Programs Affecting Business presents an introduction to Delaware and an overview of the laws and programs relating to doing business in the state. Our economy is diverse, and our legal framework is intentionally crafted to foster robust business activity. Our widely copied business laws lead the nation in clarity and predictability. Government…
The Corporate Transparency Act – An Overview
December 11, 2023
Beginning on January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act (the “CTA’’) will impose filing and reporting obligations on certain entities, such as Delaware limited liability companies and Delaware limited partnerships, with civil and criminal penalties possible for noncompliance. For individuals utilizing Delaware entities within their estate planning or in connection with their personal investing or business…
Delaware Laws & Programs Affecting Business – 2020 Edition
2020
Delaware Laws & Programs Affecting Business presents an introduction to Delaware and an overview of the laws and programs relating to doing business in the State. Our economy is diverse, and our legal framework is intentionally crafted to foster robust business activity. Our widely copied business laws lead the nation in clarity and predictability. Government…
New Private Placement, Trust-Owned Life Insurance Premium Tax Bill Signed into Law
May 20, 2016
On May 5, 2016, Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed into law House Bill 237, substantially lowering the premium tax rate for trust-owned, private placement life insurance contracts covering the life of an individual. The new law lowers the premium tax rate to 2% for the first $100,000 in net premiums and 0.0% on net premiums in…
2014 Delaware Tax Institute: Holding the Line on Taxes
November 14, 2014
This annual CLE-accredited event, sponsored by Widener University School of Law, will define the changes and new developments in current legislative, regulatory, and judicial income, estate, and gift tax. Don Sparks will be a panel chair and Janice Matier a panelist in a session entitled “Navigating State Fiduciary Income Tax.” Stan Stevenson will speak on “Circular…
Highlights of the 2014 Trust Act
July 23, 2014
On July 22, 2014, Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed House Bill No. 412 (“Trust Act 2014”) into law. Trust Act 2014 continues Delaware’s tradition of regularly refining and improving upon its existing statutory provisions in order to aid in their application and remain consistent with modern developments.
The Current State of Same Sex Marriage
October 1, 2013
Peter Conaty, Mark Purpura and Don Sparks will speak at this annual event in Wilmington, Delaware.
2013 Delaware Trust Conference
October 1, 2013
Peter Conaty, Mark Purpura and Don Sparks will speak at this annual event in Wilmington, Delaware.
Civil Unions and Same-Sex Marriage
October 2, 2012
Directors Mark Purpura and Don Sparks will speak at this Delaware Bankers Association conference in Wilmington, Delaware.
2012 Delaware Trust Conference
October 2, 2012
Directors Mark Purpura and Don Sparks will speak at this Delaware Bankers Association conference in Wilmington, Delaware.
Grab Bag of Delaware Law – Hot Issues and Solutions
November 29, 2011
Directors Mark Purpura and Don Sparks will speak at this Delaware Bankers Association conference in Wilmington, Delaware.
2011 Delaware Trust Conference
November 29, 2011
Directors Mark Purpura and Don Sparks will speak at this Delaware Bankers Association conference in Wilmington, Delaware.
2011 Delaware Tax Institute – Windows of Opportunity: Tax Planning in Times of Transition
November 18, 2011
Directors Don Sparks, Stan Stevenson and John Mark Zeberkiewicz will speak at this Delaware Tax Institute sponsored by Widener University School of Law.
Planning Implications of the New Delaware Civil Union Law
November 1, 2011
Directors Peter Conaty and Mark Purpura will speak at the Estate Planning Council of Delaware’s meeting in Wilmington, Delaware.
A Step Toward Equality in Estate Planning
Delaware Banker | Summer 2011
Delaware Adds to its Jurisdictional Advantages for Asset Protection and Estate Planning Opportunities for Same-Sex Couples.
Delaware Laws & Programs Affecting Business – 2011 Edition
July 2011
This guide presents an introduction to Delaware and an overview of the laws and programs relating to doing business in the State.
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel 2011 Summer Meeting
June 23, 2011
W. Donald Sparks will speak at this ACTEC CLE-accredited meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
October 26, 2010
Director Donald Sparks will speak at IMPACT 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
2006 Amendments to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act
July 10, 2006
The Delaware State Legislature recently enacted a series of amendments to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act.