Firm Update: Successes in Employment; Trusts & Estates
We're back. After an unavoidable hiatus, we're posting again. Although we regret our absence from the blogosphere, we were not idle. We begin by updating clients and friends with summaries of some our recent accomplishments:
Employment Law - Reinstatement of Government Employee
We helped a hard-working federal government employee win reinstatement to her job and achieve vindication after a premature suspension. Our client was accused -- but not tried, let alone, convicted -- of a serious crime. We worked in coordination with criminal defense counsel to prevent the loss of pay, job status and morale while charges were appropriately addressed.
We are pleased to report that both the criminal charges and the employment issues were resolved satisfactorily for our client who is back at work without loss of pay or status.
Trusts and Estaes - IRS Audit
We are in the final "winding down" stages of representing the Executors of a 20 million dollar estate through an IRS audit of the estate tax return. Working with the Estate's accountant and a co-counsel, we established a professional working relationship with the auditor and were able to fully document and explain all aspects of the tax return. This matter presented a significant issue when we discovered a consultant had over-valued an asset and the Executors had to file an amended return to claim a refund. The IRS agreed with us on that issue and we were able to resolve other issues raised by the audit to the satisfaction of our clients, the Executors -- and the IRS.
Trusts and Estates - Undoing a 20-year Error
We drew on our expertise in both New York and Connecticut law to help a family undo a 20-year error in two deeds and quiet title to a Connecticut real estate property. The property had been in the family even longer, more like 40 years. But, over 20 years ago, when a parent tried to pass the property to the next generation, a New York lawyer drafted two deeds, each with a provision that would have been legally sufficient in New York but not in Connecticut -- we'll spare you the technicalities but attorneys and others who are curious can send us an inquiry through the "Comments" feature of this blog or drop us an e-mail.
As a result, we had to go back 15-20 years to research the history of two closed estates. Clearing title involved researching the status of estate tax and succession tax laws over the last 15-20 years (which have done nothing but change over that time), determining the value 20 years ago of a property that had not sold for about 40 years and commencing an appropriate proceeding in Probate Court.
Happily, with the assistance, patience and cooperation of the clerks of a New York Surrogate's Court and of a Connecticut Probate Court, title was cleared, title insurance was issued and the family was able to sell and transfer the property as planned.
