Practice Focus

• Nevada Estate-Planning.  Layne works with clients and their advisors to implement advanced estate-planning strategies used by high net-worth clients that involve one or more Nevada trusts and/or other Nevada entities.   Layne will also act as a consultant or co-counsel with other attorneys and will collaborate with other client advisors regarding Nevada law as it applies to estate-planning matters, including the preparation of Nevada trusts, such as Nevada Incomplete-Gift, Non-Grantor Trusts (NINGs) and Nevada Asset-Protection Trusts ("Self-Settled Spendthrift Trusts" or "SSSTs").   For most basic estate-planning work, clients may be referred to other attorneys or law firms.


• Trust-and-Estate Administration Consultant/Witness.  Layne acts a Nevada trust-and-estate consultant for other law firms, family offices, trustees, and advisors with respect to the administration of trusts and estates governed by Nevada law.   As part of that, Layne provides advice and prepares documents relating to the modification of irrevocable trusts, such as by decanting, a nonjudicial settlement agreement, or a judicial reformation.   Layne serves as an expert consultant or witness in trust-and-estate disputes.


• Independent Counsel for Court Appearances. Layne no longer acts as attorney of record in probate-court matters.  If a matter that requires court confirmation, approval, or ratification, Layne will associate another attorney or firm of the client’s choosing as co-counsel for court filings and appearances.   Probate and trust-administration cases requiring court appearances will be referred to other attorneys or law firms.