// Individuals & Families
The estate tax is a second tax on wealth that's already been taxed once. In the US: 40% on estates above $13.61M (2024 exemption — set to halve in 2026). UK: 40% above £325K. Without planning, nearly half your life's work is transferred to the government instead of your heirs. Offshore dynasty trusts and generational structures legally preserve wealth across generations.
Book Your Consultation// The Problem
US federal estate tax: 40% on estates above the exemption. State estate taxes add 0-20% more. UK inheritance tax: 40% above £325K. By the third generation, 90%+ of family wealth has been consumed by estate taxes without proper planning.
The 2017 TCJA doubled the US estate tax exemption to $13.61M. In 2026, it reverts to ~$7M. If you're worth $10M, you'll go from fully exempt to owing $1.2M+ in estate tax overnight. The planning window is closing.
Studies show 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation, 90% by the third. Estate taxes accelerate this destruction. Without structure, your grandchildren inherit a fraction of what you built. Dynasty trusts break this cycle.
// The Solution
These structures legally minimize estate tax exposure and preserve wealth for generations.
No rule against perpetuities. Trust can exist forever — no forced termination. Asset protection + estate planning. Tax-efficient distributions across generations. Best for: maximum generational preservation with asset protection.
Perpetual + creditor-protected. No time limit on trust duration. $100K bond for creditors. Combined asset protection and estate planning. Best for: cost-effective perpetual trust with strong protection.
Centuries of trust expertise. Globally recognized. Court-supervised. Premium jurisdiction for UHNW families. Best for: prestigious jurisdiction with maximum credibility.
Perpetual duration. Sophisticated framework. No rule against perpetuities. Common law jurisdiction. Strong regulatory framework. Best for: families wanting a well-regulated offshore trust jurisdiction.
The US estate tax exemption drops from $13.61M to ~$7M in 2026. Planning done NOW locks in the higher exemption. After 2025, it's too late. 30-minute consultation — no obligation.
// Dynasty Trust
A dynasty trust holds family wealth in perpetuity — passing distributions to children, grandchildren, and beyond without triggering estate tax at each generation. Combined with generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption and life insurance planning, the structure preserves wealth indefinitely.
"Family business worth $25M. Without planning: $4.6M in estate tax at my death, then another hit at each generation. Cook Islands dynasty trust + ILIT combination: estate tax exposure reduced to near zero. My grandchildren will inherit the full business value, not 60% of it."
// Important
The TCJA estate tax exemption ($13.61M) sunsets to ~$7M in 2026. Transfers made NOW using the higher exemption are grandfathered. After 2025, the planning opportunity is permanently reduced. This is time-sensitive.
The GST tax applies to transfers that skip a generation. Proper use of the GST exemption ($13.61M) combined with dynasty trusts allows tax-free transfers to grandchildren and beyond. Incorrect planning can trigger 40% GST tax on top of estate tax.
An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) funds the dynasty trust with insurance proceeds — estate tax free. The ILIT + dynasty trust combination is one of the most powerful wealth preservation tools available.
// FAQ
Assets transferred to an irrevocable dynasty trust are removed from your taxable estate. Future growth occurs inside the trust — also estate-tax-free. Distributions to beneficiaries don't trigger estate tax because the beneficiaries don't own the trust assets. Book a consultation to learn more.
The TCJA doubled the exemption to $13.61M per person ($27.22M for couples). In 2026, it reverts to approximately $7M. Transfers made before 2026 using the higher exemption are grandfathered — even if the exemption drops. This creates urgent planning opportunities. Book a consultation before the window closes.
Yes. Beneficiaries receive distributions for health, education, maintenance, and support — and potentially more, depending on trustee discretion. They benefit from the wealth without owning it. This also protects the assets from their creditors and divorcing spouses. Book a consultation to design your distribution structure.
If your estate exceeds $7M (the projected 2026 exemption), estate planning is critical. Even below $7M, asset protection and generational planning provide value. UK residents: the £325K threshold means virtually everyone with property should plan. Book a consultation for an assessment.
Domestic dynasty trusts (South Dakota, Nevada) are perpetual but subject to federal court jurisdiction. Offshore trusts (Cook Islands, Nevis) add asset protection — they're outside US court reach. For families wanting estate planning + protection, offshore is superior. Book a consultation to compare options.
// Related Solutions
Estate tax doesn't have to consume your life's work. The 2026 exemption sunset creates urgency — plan now while the window is open. Book a consultation — 30 minutes, no obligation.