Customized living trusts, tax-sensitive estate planning, probate, trust administration & asset protection planning from highly rated attorney and his wife
Over more than four decades, Estate Planning Lawyer and Living Trust Lawyer Kenneth Ziskin has been the "Family Wealth Strategist"(sm). My BIO is on my website, but my greatest honors come from the reviews I get or the hugs clients give my wife (Hinda, who works with me to provide the perspective of a wife, mother and grandmoter) and I after we complete a project.
Recently, one of my favorite strategies is one that allows clients to get a step-up in income tax basis without dying! The income tax savings can be dramatic.
I work with individuals and families to design and implement both Living Trusts and advanced estate planning strategies. Ihelp clients understand and put in place strategies to pass family wealth and his clients' deeply held values to their desired beneficiaries. I always focus on the integration of clients' essential non-tax desires for their heirs with estate tax planning, income tax planning and appropriate asset protection planning to facilitate preservation and passing of wealth to benefit future generations.
My Estate Planning and Living Trust strategies have saved clients millions of dollars of taxes. While typical savings range from a few hundred thousand to a few million dollars, in one case alone, my strategy saved nearly $200,000,000 in taxes (mostly estate taxes, but also income taxes) for the beneficiaries of a deceased parent!
I also offer caring, personalized probate and trust administration services for those who have lost a loved one.
Practice areas
I focus on all areas of estate planning, from living trust planning to advanced Family Wealth Strategies (sm). PLANNING is the key to what I do. "If you fail to plan (well), plan to fail."
27 years, 400 cases
Customized living trusts form the core of most good estate planning. They let your heirs avoid probate, they let you choose how your assets will be held, managed and distributed when you are gone, and they provide for management and use of your assets if you are incapacitated. Properly drafted, Trusts can also reduce exposure to taxes and liabilities.
27 years, 400 cases
I began my career as an income tax lawyer, and have always emphasized income tax planning with all of my clients. It is an essential part of estate planning. I consider income, estate, gift and property tax issues in helping you plan and structure your estate and business. Often, a carefully planned structure can reduce tax exposure while meeting your vital non-tax goals.
49 years, 500 cases
When a loved one passes, you need caring help regarding administration of their affairs. If your loved one had substantially all property in trust, you still need trust administration help. If not, we can assist with more formal probate proceedings
21 years, 40 cases
Languages spoken
English
The Ziskin Law Corp
4532 Murietta Ave Apt 101
Sherman Oaks, CA, 91423-5430
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1972 | 10/28/2020 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2017 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2011 |
---|---|---|
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2010 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2009 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2008 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2007 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2006 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2005 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2004 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2003 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2002 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2002 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2001 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2000 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 1999 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 1998 |
Fellow | Esperti Peterson Institute | 1998 |
AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 1997 |
Spirit of Life | City of Hope | 1982 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
President | The Ziskin Law Corp | 2007 - Present |
Adjunct Professor | University Of Southern California Law School | 1991 - 1994 |
President | Kenneth A. Ziskin Law Corp | 1990 - 2007 |
President | Wall Street Financial | 1989 - 1990 |
Partner | Rosen, Wachtell & Gilbert | 1986 - 1989 |
Managing Partner | Cohen & Ziskin | 1976 - 1986 |
---|---|---|
Partner | Kenner, Ziskin, Stein, Kahan & Porter | 1974 - 1976 |
Attorney | Manatt Phelps & Rothenberg | 1972 - 1974 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates Section | Member | 2015 - Present |
Calfiornia Trusts and Estates Quarterly | Assistant Editor | 2015 - Present |
WealthCounsel | Member | 2004 - Present |
California Sate Bar | Member | 1972 - Present |
National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys | Member | 1996 - 2001 |
City of Hope | Board of Governors | 1992 - 1995 |
---|---|---|
Chaine des Rotissuers | Member | 1988 - 1991 |
City of Hope | Board of Governors | 1984 - 1991 |
Financial Institutions Committee, State Bar of California | Attorney Member | 1978 - 1979 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Aspen Publishers | PLANING FOR THE AFFLUENT | 2003 |
Trusts & Estates | The Home Security Trust - Better than a QPRT on Steroids | 2000 |
Conspectus Current | Creative Use of IRC SEction 501(c)(15) Insurance Companies for Closely Held Businesses and Professional Corporations | 2000 |
Conspectus Current | Sale to a Defective Trust - A Life Insurance Technique | 1998 |
WEstern Independent Banker | Interstate Banking: Something Old, Something New, Something Blue | 1987 |
Journal of Taxation | When Will Loans to Employer from Employee Trusts Not Be a Prohibited Transaction? | 1974 |
---|---|---|
California Bar Journal | California's Expanded Close-Corporation Exemption and the Lawyer's Role Thereunder | 1974 |
Los Angeles Bar Bulletin | Loans to Employer Corporations from Section 401 Trusts | 1973 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Southern California Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1972 |
University of Southern California | BSL | 1972 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Family Office Forum | Using Private Placement Variable Life Insurance as an Income Tax Favored Investment Vehicle Creative Private Placement Funding Strategies | 2001 |
Seminar | Charitable Planning Beyond the Living Trust - Using Charitable Giving Strategies to Preserve and Enhance Family Wealth | 1998 |
Collegium | Beyond 'Till Death Do Us Part | 1998 |
Seminar | Charitable Planning Beyond the Living Trust - Using Charitable Giving Strategies to Preserve and Enhance Family Wealth | 1997 |
Seminar | Integrating Transfer and Income Tax Planning through International Insurance | 1997 |
Monthly Meeting | Strategies for Wealth Accumulation and Preservation after the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 | 1997 |
---|---|---|
Forum Meeting | Fundamental Principles for Estate Planning Attorneys | 1997 |
Collegium | Planning for Retirement Plan Distributions in Community Property States | 1997 |
Dialog 1988 | Strategies for Bankers -- Appropriate Responses to Regulatory Pressures | 1988 |
Seminar | The Interestate Banking Game | 1987 |
Convention | Capital Formation for Banks & Protecting Directors & Officers From Liability | 1986 |
Convention | Protecting Directors & Officers from Liability | 1986 |
7th Annual Institute | Permissible Activities Under the Bank Holding Company Act | 1981 |
Examiners Seminar | New Insider Lending Rules & Other Provisions of FIRREA | 1979 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Estate Planning for Income Taxes | Client got an additional $40,000 of depreciation deductions after his spouse passed away, and his children should get more depreciation after he passes away |
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Michael Wittick, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 15, 2018
Relationship: Other
I highly endorse Ken whom I have known for many years as a member of WealthCounsel and who represents the epitome of the skill and expertise required of a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
Asal Shiraz, Limited liability company (LLC) Attorney on Apr 29, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Kenneth is extremely well versed and experienced in LLC liability coverage, the practical consequences of operating an LLC as well as the advantages. He is patient, helpful and will really take the time to teach you everything you need to know and weather it is a good choice given your situation. He took the time (his very valuable time) to give me a complete run down on everything I need to know about LLCs and it was extremely helpful.
Armen Baghdasarian, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 27, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
It's a pleasure working with Ken. He offers his clients a unique combination of knowledge and experience with a personal touch.
Donna Heller, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 23, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Ken Ziskin is one of the highest regarded and most well-respected attorneys in his field. He is intelligent, experienced and hard working. His top ratings, such as Avvo 10 out of 10 and Martindale AV Preeminent speak for themselves, yet he graciously finds time to share his expertise with fellow lawyers.
John Stubbs, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 23, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
Ken is a truly amazing and conscientious lawyer with a specialization in taxation. He freely gives his time to help other attorneys with difficult tax and estate planning matters.
Charles Kester, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ken Ziskin is blessed with a keen intellect and a unique ability to conceive of and to implement innovative estate and tax planning strategies for his clients. He is a very talented attorney.
Carl Waldman, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Ziskin is a tremendously talented attorney who has accomplished great results for his clients.
Cash, Check