Everything you always wanted to know about charitable lead trusts but were afraid to ask.

By Kathleen Stephenson and Lisa B. Petkun

As with charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts are technical entities and must be carefully drafted and administered. However, they produce an immediate benefit for the charitable organization and an excellent tax benefit for the donor.

Kathleen A. Stephenson is of counsel with the Philadelphia office of Pepper Hamilton LLP. Lisa B. Petkun is a partner in the tax department of Pepper Hamilton.