Wealth Management Law

Brian Lucareli and John Melko explore the intricacies of Delaware Asset Protective Trusts, examining statutory exceptions and how enforcement varies across different states. The discussion provides families and advisors with practical insights into evaluating asset-protection planning strategies.

Ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families face a valuation environment that is far more complex than simply determining the worth of an asset. In the context of trust, gift, and estate tax planning, valuation becomes a foundational discipline that affects wealth transfer strategy, tax efficiency, compliance, and long-term family outcomes.

Philip Peterson (“Peterson”), the successor advisor to the Peterson Family Stewardship Fund created by his father in 2005, alleges that WaterStone blocked his ability to manage the fund. Since 2024, WaterStone has stopped communicating with Peterson, removed his access to account information, and declined to process grant recommendations or distribute charitable funds.