Seth E. Ellis
Seth Ellis joins Wiggin and Dana with close to three decades of experience in estate planning, asset protection, probate and guardianship administration and litigation, and fiduciary representation, particularly for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals and families.
For Seth, estate planning is more than just legal work — it’s a deeply personal journey that involves some of the most significant aspects of his clients’ lives. He is committed to helping clients address practical, financial, and emotional considerations alongside legal matters.
Seth specializes in working with family offices and high net worth clients, focusing on sophisticated tax planning and asset protection strategies. He particularly enjoys assisting entrepreneurs in transferring family wealth to younger generations through the use of various trust structures while always placing an emphasis on asset protection. Seth works closely with families and entrepreneurs to create trust structures that shield assets from third party creditors. For many clients, Seth will recommend and structure a domestic asset protection trust in states such as Nevada or South Dakota.
Active in various organizations, Seth serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of South Florida, the
Men’s League for Junior Achievement of South Florida, the Florescue Family Foundation, and the Golden Bell Educational Foundation. He is also a Trustee of the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Greater Boca Raton Estate Planning Council.
Seth offers sophisticated estate planning, wealth protection, business succession planning, and general business counsel to clients across South Florida and beyond. He brings creativity and dedication to every client interaction, whether working with young families planning for the future or multi-generational clients safeguarding family legacies.
His true passion lies in supporting entrepreneurs. As a longstanding member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization in South Florida, Seth joined the Global Board in 2018 as a member of the Strategic Alliance Committee.
Seth’s warmth and genuine care for his clients often lead to lasting friendships. He finds great joy in celebrating his clients’ successes and providing steady guidance during challenging times. Outside of work, he cherishes time with his wife and their three daughters.
Education
- University of Miami School of Law (LL.M. in Estate Planning)
- Suffolk University Law School (J.D.)
- Union College (B.S.)
Bar Admissions
- Florida
- Massachusetts
Memberships and Affiliations
- Global Board of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Strategic Alliance Committee
- Entrepreneurs’ Organization of South Florida
- University Of Miami School Of Law, Adjunct Professor, Estate Planning
- Boca Chamber’s Education Foundation, Board Member
- Alzheimer Foundation of America, Past Director
- Haven, Inc, Past Chairman of the Board
- South County Leadership Advisory Council for the Place of Hope at the Haven Campus
- Business & Professional Division Leadership Cabinet
- Professional Advisory Committee of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County
Publications
December 12, 2024
Private Client Services 2024 Year-End Advisory
October 17, 2024
Estate Planning Considerations for Non-U.S. Citizen Spouses
September 5, 2024
A Guide to Estate Planning for Tangible Assets
August 22, 2024
Estate Planning and Divorce: Lessons from In re E. Earl Lyden Trust
August 15, 2024
Preserving Your Legacy: Estate Tax Deferral for Closely Held Businesses
2024
Estate Planning for College-Aged Children
July 11, 2024
U.S. Income Taxation of Foreign Trusts – Beware!
2024
LGBTQ+ Family Estate Planning
June 24, 2024
Connecticut’s New Trust Decanting Statute
June 2024
Connelly v. United States (No. 23-146)
June 7, 2024
Navigating Trust Taxation: State Income Tax
May 16, 2024
Common Income Tax Compliance for Estates
July 27, 2023
3 Key Strategies for Funding Educational Expenses
April 3, 2023
How Do I Have A “Foreign Trust” If I Don’t Live Overseas?
February 1, 2023
Five Reasons Why You Should Do Your Estate Plan