Using and Misusing the Marital Deduction: Takeaways from January's Distinguished Speakers Series

Thank you to everyone who attended the January Distinguished Speakers Series programs, and special thanks to our speaker, Lauren Wolven. The event had a great turnout, with more than 80 attendees learning about Using and Misusing the Marital Deduction.

Betsy Pennewill, Elizabeth Stephen, Lauren Wolven, Jay Young, and Kimberly Bleach at January's dinner program.

Using and Misusing the Marital Deduction

Speaker Lauren Wolven provided a comprehensive look at the marital deduction. The marital deduction is often taken for granted because it is one of the few areas of estate tax law that has been relatively static for decades. The deduction often has subtleties, however, and sets traps for the unwary. This program provided a review of the key requirements for and application of the marital deduction and suggested practical uses for this nuanced tool.

Attendees gained a solid understanding of the requirements for the marital deduction to identify and create awareness of red flag issues regarding the marital deduction, and developed a better understanding of how to deploy the marital deduction in tax planning.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2024 – 2025 season of our Distinguished Speakers Series programs! Stay tuned for updates and more information about the upcoming season.