Dennis R. Delaney is a Managing Director of Hemenway Trust Company. He has 18 years of estate planning, trustee, and wealth management experience for individuals, families and nonprofits.

As an attorney admitted to practice law in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Dennis helps plan and implement sophisticated strategies for clients, especially those looking to take advantage of New Hampshire’s favorable trust and tax laws. With expertise in state income tax of trusts, Dennis helps families relocate trusts to New Hampshire to reduce income taxes. Dennis also has retirement account expertise and helps ensure that clients’ IRAs are properly coordinated with their estate plans to reduce estate and income taxes.

As a partner and Chair of the Private Client Group at Hemenway & Barnes LLP, Dennis also serves as individual trustee for family and charitable trusts. Dennis is a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel.

Representative Experience

Drafts and implements wealth preservation trusts, perpetual dynasty trusts, directed trusts, quiet trusts, pet trusts, and special purpose trusts to care for family lands.
Eliminated many millions of dollars in transfer taxes for clients by creating and administering dozens of grantor-retained annuity trusts.
Created and administers private foundations, charitable lead trusts, and charitable remainder trusts involving tens of millions of dollars in funding.

Accolades

Named as a New England Super Lawyer
Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
Editor-in-Chief, Boston University Law Review
Recipient of Dr. John Ordronaux Prize from Boston University School of Law

Activities and Publications

Co-authored the Trusts & Estates Magazine article, “Depression-Era Trusts Come Home to Roost,” December 2016
White paper: “Rock Solid in New Hampshire” detailing the many advantages that New Hampshire offers as a premier trust venue
Member, New Hampshire Trust Council
Quoted in Chicago Tribune in article regarding estate planning (2013)
Authored articles published in Financial Planning, Banker & Tradesman, Mass High Tech Journal, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, The Harvard Press, The Virginia Tax Review, The Monthly Digest of Tax Articles, and Exhibit A

Select Speaking Engagements

"Practical Drafting Issues and Decanting After Kraft - What are the implications for Massachusetts trusts?” (MCLE, January 21, 2015)
"Trust Situs: Where Should You Go and How Should You Move?” (Boston Bar Association, October 30, 2013)
“How Philanthropy Can Help Grow Your Business and Bottom Line" (Family Business Association, May 31, 2012)
"The Family Enterprise: One Family’s Story" (Executive Conference Center, Babson College, October 27, 2011)
"Managing the Complex Case of the Family Enterprise" (Family Firm Institute, October 14, 2011)
"Estate Administration and Post-Mortem Estate Planning" (MCLE, May 25, 2011)
"The Generation Skipping Transfer Tax in 2010 and Beyond" (Boston Probate Forum, December 1, 2010)
"Representing Estate and Trust Beneficiaries and Fiduciaries" (ALI-ABA, July 15, 2010)
"Trusts & Estates Year in Review" (Boston Bar Association, June 15, 2009)
"Qualified Personal Residence Trusts" MCLE (April 29, 2009)
"Nuts & Bolts of International Estate Planning" (Boston Bar Association, October 28, 2008)
"Trusts & Estates Mid-Year Review" (Boston Bar Association, December 16, 2007)
"Drafting Tax Allocation Clauses" (Boston Bar Association, June 22, 2006)

Community Involvement

Boys & Girls Club of Boston, Board of Trustees, Trustees Leadership Council and Planned Giving Advisory Committee
Sherborn Rural Land Foundation, Trustee
Alan Thayer Mudge Memorial Fund, Trustee
Boston Athletic Association, Member

Dennis Delaney’s Comments on Trends in the Trust Industry

“My job often addresses the nexus of many, often conflicting, challenges for my clients. They want to provide financial stability for descendants while keeping them motivated to lead engaged, productive lives. Much of their wealth consists of their family owned business; they want to reward children who help grow it, but also ensure that children who don’t work in it are treated fairly. They have a profound commitment to charitable giving and want to maximize their impact. They would like their vacation home to be enjoyed by future generations but don’t want their estate plan to create friction among family members. These issues are not easy, but nor are they new. For over 150 years we have helped generations of clients achieve their personal and family goals.”

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