Alex Steven Tanouye

Working with my clients to design and implement cost-effective, customized estate plans that protect and provide for their families makes my practice a rewarding vocation.  From the outset, my clients and I are a team.  We gather, organize, and review the critical biographical and financial information necessary to discuss the essential estate planning elements - e.g., terms of trusts for minors, incapacity planning, tax deferral or savings, and selection of fiduciaries - that are unique to each individual or family.  We then work together to create a plan that meets their needs.

Representing estate and trust beneficiaries and fiduciaries in contested matters is an aspect of my practice that allows me to assist my clients in protecting or asserting their rights.  These cases can involve situations where communications have broken down or ceased, technical or judgmental errors have been made in administering an estate or trust, or simply when wrong has been done.  We encourage amicable resolution of conflicts rather than going to court, but when litigation is needed, I work in conjunction with our litigation team to develop and implement strategies that meet our clients' needs.

Representing personal representatives (or executors) and trustees in the administration of estates and trusts is the third component of my practice, involving probating wills, post-mortem tax planning, preparation of estate tax returns, and much more.  I advise fiduciaries on virtually all aspects of estate and trust administration.