
Overview
Nikolaus "Nik" Schuttauf specializes in helping high-net-worth individuals and families develop sophisticated estate planning strategies to reduce transfer taxes, preserve multigenerational wealth, and ensure seamless asset transfers. He creates tailored estate plans that help clients achieve their unique goals while minimizing tax exposure and avoiding probate.
Nik also has extensive experience guiding clients through domicile changes to Florida, assisting them with residency transitions and navigating the associated legal and tax considerations. Licensed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida, he provides seamless support to multistate clients, including those balancing residences across multiple jurisdictions.
In estate and trust administration, Nik brings a depth of experience in settling complex estates, including the preparation of federal, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island estate tax returns. He assists clients with the intricacies of probate proceedings, distribution of substantial assets—such as real estate, investments, and retirement accounts—and ensures full compliance with all tax obligations.
As a parent of two young daughters, Nik brings a personal understanding to estate planning for families. He works closely with couples to plan for the unexpected, establishing guardianship provisions and utilizing trusts to protect and conserve their children’s inheritances.
Nik combines technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering results to provide clients with sophisticated, forward-thinking solutions to even the most complex estate planning and administration needs.
Education and Credentials
Education
- New England School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2012; New England Law Review, Comment and Note Editor
- Stonehill College, B.A., 2009
Admissions
- State of Florida
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- State of Rhode Island
Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Rhode Island Bar Association, Probate and Trust Committee
Recognition and Community
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.
Recognitions
CALI Award for Excellence in Corporate Finance
CALI Award for Excellence in UCC Negotiable Instruments
CALI Award for Excellence in Massachusetts Practice and Procedure
Community Involvement
Boys & Girls Club of Metro South, Board of Directors
News & Insights
In The Media
Publications
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Estate Planning During COVID-19: How Parents Can Be Prepared for Incapacity , JD SUPRA Legal News , May 1, 2020 -
Changes to the Federal Gift and Estate Tax May Be Trap for Unsuspecting Mass Residents , LinkedIn Pulse , July 2, 2018 -
Estate Planning for Your Four-Legged Family , LinkedIn Pulse , June 4, 2018
Media Mentions
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The Estate Tax Catching Americans by Surprise, The Wall Street Journal, November 18, 2023
Speaking Engagements
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Using SLATs & SLANTs for Flexibility in Estate Planning , November 14, 2024 -
"Onboarding Estate Planning Clients," Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, May 1, 2024 -
"Using SLATs & SLANTs for Flexibility in Estate Planning," MCLE New England, November 9, 2023 -
"Tax Issues in Choice of Entity and Succession Planning," MCLE New England , October 30, 2023 -
Death & Taxes: Understanding the Rhode Island Estate Tax & Mechanics of Estate Tax Returns , June 2023 -
Trusts in Massachusetts from A to Z , February 2023 -
Pre-Nuptial and Decanting as Tools to Protect inheritance Expectations , September 2022 -
Careers in Trust and Estates Law , April 2021