Publications
Entrepreneur 2 Entrepreneur: David J. Winkowski
June 17, 2026
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Partner David Winkowski, chair of the firm’s trusts, estates and private client practice, joined Bill Stewart, director and client advisor of Banyan Partners, to discuss planning strategies for business owners and individuals, including estate tax considerations, trust planning, ownership transitions and the importance of making advance preparations.
Key takeaways
- A lack of estate and succession planning can create major financial, tax and operational challenges for both families and closely held businesses.
- Revocable trusts can help simplify probate and maintain privacy, while irrevocable trusts may provide estate tax and creditor protection benefits.
- Timing is critical when transferring business interests or implementing gifting strategies, especially before a potential sale or liquidity event.
- State estate and inheritance taxes can vary significantly and should be considered alongside federal estate tax planning.
- Building a coordinated team of advisers — including legal, tax and financial professionals — is essential to creating an effective long-term estate and business succession plan.
