Trusts and Estates in Real Estate: Key Strategies for Wealth Transfer and Asset Protection

Matthew E. Rappaport | Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP

Matthew E. Rappaport, Esq., LL.M., is a Partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP and serves as Chair of the firm’s Taxation and Private Client Groups. His practice focuses on taxation matters related to real estate, closely held businesses, private equity funds, family offices, and trusts and estates. He advises clients on tax planning, structuring, and compliance across a wide spectrum of transactions, including commercial real estate projects, business life cycle planning, generational wealth transfer, family business succession, and executive compensation. Known for his work on complex, tax-sensitive transactions, he regularly handles matters involving Section 1031 exchanges, Qualified Opportunity Zones, freeze partnerships, private equity mergers and acquisitions, and Qualified Small Business Stock. He also collaborates closely with attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, bankers, and insurance professionals, and serves as a trusted advisor to real estate funds, multinational executives, venture capitalists, startup businesses, and ultra-high net worth individuals.

Education & Credentials

• Matthew E. Rappaport earned both his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. He is admitted to practice in the State of New York and before the United States Tax Court, reflecting his qualifications to handle sophisticated tax matters across jurisdictions.

Recognition & Leadership

• Matthew holds a leadership position as Chair of the Taxation and Private Client Groups at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, demonstrating his authority and experience in complex tax matters. He is widely recognized for his work on advanced tax-driven transactions, including Section 1031 exchanges, Qualified Opportunity Zones, freeze partnerships, private equity mergers and acquisitions, and Qualified Small Business Stock, and is regarded as a trusted advisor for high-level clients and sophisticated financial matters.

Professional Involvement

• In his practice, Matthew frequently collaborates with a range of professionals, including attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, bankers, and insurance specialists, particularly when matters require advanced tax law expertise. His involvement in these multidisciplinary efforts underscores his role in facilitating complex transactions and delivering integrated tax guidance.

Experience

• Matthew’s experience includes advising clients on tax planning, structuring, and compliance for commercial real estate projects, all stages of the business life cycle, generational wealth transfer, family business succession, and executive compensation. He has worked with prominent real estate funds, executives of multinational corporations, venture capitalists, startup businesses, and ultra-high net worth families, providing creative, tax-focused solutions to complex and challenging matters.

SESSION 1 – Estate Planning and Asset Protection for Real Estate | 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Attorneys examine estate planning strategies for real estate assets, focusing on creditor protection, litigation risk, and liability exposure. Emphasizes aligning ownership structures with long-term goals, integrating property into comprehensive estate plans, and avoiding planning mistakes that leave valuable assets vulnerable.

SESSION 2 – Key Planning Tools for Wealth Transfer and Tax Reduction | 1:30pm – 2:00pm

This section covers core estate planning tools for transferring real estate efficiently. Attorneys learn how wills, trusts, and gifting strategies reduce taxes, preserve asset value, and ensure smooth succession, with emphasis on timing, valuation, and practical applications tailored to client needs.

BREAK | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

SESSION 3 – Using Trusts and Entities for Multigenerational Real Estate Planning | 2:10pm – 2:40pm

Attorneys explore strategic use of trusts and entities to manage and transfer real estate. Covers LLCs, family partnerships, and trust types for control, protection, continuity, reduced complexity, and generational planning, with case insights on structuring decisions impacting long-term asset preservation.

SESSION 4 – Practical Considerations and Common Pitfalls | 2:40pm – 3:10pm

This section examines challenges in implementing real estate plans, highlighting common errors improper titling, documents, and tax issues. It teaches attorneys to identify red flags, address compliance and evolving laws, and apply strategies to avoid mistakes and improve client outcomes.