R. Kurt Ketchum
Partner
MR. KETCHUM IS A PARTNER OF THE FIRM, RESPONSIBLE FOR COUNSELING CLIENTS IN WIDE VARIETY OF BUSINESS AND TRUST AND ESTATE MATTERS.
Mr. Ketchum is a Partner of the Firm, responsible for counseling clients in wide variety of Business and Trust and Estate matters. Mr. Ketchum’s practice focuses on advising clients regarding generational wealth transfer planning, as well as structuring and implementing estate tax elimination and reduction strategies according to his clients’ goals, objectives, and asset mix. In addition, Mr. Ketchum represents the firm’s business-owner clients and advises them in all aspects of planning for their closely held and family owned businesses, including structuring and formation of business entities, private transactions, ongoing maintenance and compliance, commercial contracts, and shareholder and buy-sell agreements. A significant portion of Mr. Ketchum’s practice involves advising business owners regarding their business succession plan, and ensuring that it is seamlessly integrated with their Trust and Estate planning. Mr. Ketchum makes it a priority to work closely with each client’s team of advisors, including accountants and financial advisors to establish and maintain cohesion between all aspects of their personal and business planning.
Hess-Verdon and Associates PLC has been featured in the California Lawyer magazine and the Orange County Lawyer magazine regarding Trusts and Estate issues.
R. KURT KETCHUM, PARTNER
Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Ketchum worked for nearly a decade in wealth management and financial planning, where he helped high net-worth individuals and business owners develop and implement comprehensive investment and insurance strategies individually tailored to their particular objectives. This background gives Mr. Ketchum a unique perspective and keen insight when advising clients on their business and estate planning needs.
Trust and Estate Planning
Mr. Ketchum works with the firm’s clients to design and implement strategies and entities to maximize income and estate tax efficiency, including:
• Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)
• Irrevocable Trusts and Dynasty Trusts for children and grandchildren
• Gifts and Instalment Sales to Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs)
• Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)
• Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)
• Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs)
Business Planning
Mr. Ketchum also advises his clients in all aspects and phases of their closely held business, including formation and structuring, ongoing compliance and maintenance, as well as inter-family and third party transfers and transactions. His clients’ businesses encompass a number of fields and industries, including:
• Construction
• Real Estate Development and Management
• Insurance Brokerages
• Charitable and Non-Profit Organizations
• Healthcare
• Education
• Manufacturing
• Auto Dealers
Education
Bachelors of Science (Business Administration), Chapman University Juris Doctor, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law
- Chapman Law Review, Articles Editor
Admissions
California State Bar
United States District Court, Central District of California
“I appreciate that you keep us informed on all pertinent legal considerations.”
“Professional and knowledgeable.”