News
New Hampshire Allows Remote Notarization During Pandemic (*CLICK HERE*)
March 23, 2020
On March 23, 2020, New Hampshire Governor Christopher Sununu signed an Executive Order allowing notaries in New Hampshire to notarize documents remotely with the assistance of electronic videoconferencing technology while New Hampshire remains under the COVID-19 state of emergency. A copy of the Executive Order is available on our News page.
ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk Podcast Features Amy Kanyuk
February 2, 2021
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel has released an ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk Podcast in which ACTEC Fellow Amy Kanyuk discusses protecting inherited assets from a beneficiary’s creditors in the event of a divorce. Visit https://actecfoundation.org/podcasts/how-to-protect-inherited-assets-from-a-beneficiarys-creditors-in-the-event-of-a-divorce/ to listen to the podcast or read a transcript of it.
M&K Attorneys Named Best Lawyers
August 20, 2020
All of M&K's attorneys have been selected for the 2021 edition of Best Lawyers in America. Amy Kanyuk has been selected for her contributions in the areas of Tax Law and Trusts & Estates. Joe McDonald and Megan Knox have been selected for their contributions in the area of Trusts & Estates. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession.
Coronavirus Update (
August 1, 2020
***CORONA VIRUS UPDATE*** Due to the pandemic, our physical offices are open by appointment only, and, for the safety of our staff and clients, all guests must wear masks. If you need to contact us, please send an email or call (603) 228-9900.
M&K, Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk All Receive “Band 1” Ranking from Chambers
July 17, 2020
For the fourth consecutive year, McDonald & Kanyuk, PLLC has been ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth guide as one of only three "Band 1" New Hampshire private wealth law firms. As in prior years, Chambers also ranks Amy Kanyuk and Joe McDonald, individually, as Band 1 private wealth lawyers.
Massachusetts Adopts Remote Notarization Law (*CLICK HERE*)
April 27, 2020
by Amy Kanyuk
On April 27, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed into law "An Act Providing for Virtual Notarization to Address Challenges Related to COVID-19." The Act permits notaries in Massachusetts to notarize documents remotely with the assistance of electronic videoconferencing technology while Massachusetts remains under the COVID-19 state of emergency. A copy of the Act is available on our News page.
Amy Kanyuk Is ACTEC Institute Leader (*Click Here*)
January 31, 2020
Amy Kanyuk is serving as a Chancellor for the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel's New England Fellows Institute. The Institute was formed to identify and develop future ACTEC Fellows through a series of in-depth presentations and social events.You can find additional information at the Institute's website, https://newenglandfellowsinstitute.org/.
Amy Kanyuk Publishes Article in Estate Planning Magazine
Estate PlanningDecember 5, 2019
by Amy Kanyuk
Amy Kanyuk has written an article on the exercise of trustee discretion. The article has been published in the December issue of Estate Planning magazine. Visit our Publications Page to view and download the article.
Joe and Amy are Superlawyers
November 1, 2019
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk have been selected to the 2019 New England Super Lawyers list, in the areas of estate planning and probate. Super Lawyers uses a rigorous selection process to recognize attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice.
Amy Kanyuk Co-Authors Domestic Asset Protection Study
September 9, 2019
by Amy Kanyuk, et al.
Amy Kanyuk is the New Hampshire editor for ACTEC's 12th Comparison of Domestic Asset Protection Statutes. Visit our Publications page to access and download the chart.
Amy Kanyuk Speaking at the IRS National Conference
August 20, 2019
On August 20, 2019, Amy Kanyuk spoke in Washington, DC at the IRS's annual national conference for its estate and gift tax attorneys and paralegals, on the topic of recent developments in estate and gift taxes.
Amy Kanyuk and Joe McDonald Consult with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations
July 30, 2019
Amy Kanyuk and Joe McDonald recently consulted with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations. The JFBA is researching American lawyers who serve as fiduciaries, and will present its findings at its annual symposium in September, and publish a report in a Japanese national law journal.
Megan Knox Appointed Co-Chair of BBA CLE Subcommittee
July 12, 2019
Megan (Neal) Knox has been appointed as a Co-Chair of the Education (CLE) Sub-Committee of the Boston Bar Association’s Trusts & Estates Section.
Amy Kanyuk Publishes Article in Trusts and Estates Magazine
Trusts and EstatesMarch 12, 2019
by Amy Kanyuk
Amy Kanyuk has co-authored an article on will validation and no-contest clauses, published in the March 2019 issue of Trusts and Estates magazine. Please visit the Publications page for a copy of the article.
Megan Neal Joins the Firm
March 4, 2019
by Amy Kanyuk
We are pleased to announce that Megan Neal has rejoined the firm. Megan will continue her practice in estate planning and trust and estate administration, in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
All M&K Attorneys Are ACTEC Fellows
March 4, 2019
by Amy Kanyuk
All McDonald & Kanyuk attorneys are Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
Joe and Amy are Superlawyers
November 1, 2018
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk have been selected to the 2018 New England Super Lawyers list, in the areas of estate planning and probate. Super Lawyers uses a rigorous selection process to recognize attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice.
Amy Named Best Lawyer (2019)
August 21, 2018
Amy Kanyuk has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2019, in the areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession.
Joe selected as best lawyer (2018)
August 15, 2017
Joe McDonald has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2018, in the area of Trusts and Estates.
Amy Selected as Best Lawyer (2018)
August 15, 2017
Amy Kanyuk has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2018, in the areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. She also was recognized as the 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" in Tax for Concord, New Hampshire.
Newsletter re Tax Retorm after Election
November 30, 2016
M&K has published a newsletter on prospects for tax reform after the 2016 election. Click on the Publications link to access the article.
Joe and Amy are Superlawyers
October 28, 2016
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk have been selected to the 2016 New England Super Lawyers list, in the areas of estate planning and probate. Super Lawyers uses a rigorous selection process to recognize attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice.
M&K Has Moved
October 21, 2016
***WE HAVE MOVED!*** We relocated our office on October 21, 2016. We moved back to our former office space, at 7 Hills Avenue in Concord, NH. Main Street in Concord is undergoing a $14M renovation, which is scheduled to conclude in November. We are excited to move back downtown, and be a part of the revitalization of the center of the city! Other than our street address, all of contact information remains the same.
M&K Publishes 2704 Newsletter
August 31, 2016
by M&K
M&K has published an article on the proposed 2704 regulations, which were issued in August. Click on the Publications link to access the article.
Joe McDonald Selected as Best Lawyer (2017)
August 29, 2016
Joe McDonald has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017, in the area of Trusts and Estates.
Amy Kanyuk selected as Best Lawyer (2017)
August 16, 2016
Amy Kanyuk has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017, in the areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. She also was recognized as the Trusts and Estates "Lawyer of the Year" for Concord, New Hampshire.
Amy Kanyuk Receives License to Practice Law in South Dakota
May 6, 2016
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk have both received their licenses to practice law in South Dakota. Joe is also licensed in New Hampshire, and Amy also is licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Amy Kanyuk Elected to ACTEC Board of Regents
March 21, 2016
Amy Kanyuk has been elected to the Board of Regents of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). The Board of Regents is ACTEC's governing body. Amy also serves as the New Hampshire state chair for ACTEC.
Amy Kanyuk Publishes Articles on Post-Mortem Tax Planning
Estate PlanningMarch 1, 2016
by Amy Kanyuk
Amy Kanyuk has published two articles in Estate Planning magazine on post-mortem estate tax and income tax planning. Click on the Publications link to access the articles.
Megan Neal Publishes Article on New Basis Consistency Rules
New Hampshire Bar NewsFebruary 17, 2016
Megan Neal has published an article in the NH Bar News on the new basis consistency rules. Click on the Publications link to access the article.
Joe McDonald publishes article on trusts and divorce
NH Bar JournalJanuary 1, 2016
by Joe McDonald
Joe McDonald and Megan Neal have published an article in the NH Bar Journal on the treatment of discretionary trust interests in divorce. Click on the Publications link to access a copy of the article.
IRS Releases 2016 Inflation Adjusted Transfer Tax Figures
November 12, 2015
by Amy Kanyuk
The IRS has issued the 2016 inflation-adjusted transfer tax exemption amounts. Visit our Publications page (click "M&K Newsletters") for a schedule of exemption amounts from 1997 through 2016.
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk Selected as New England Super Lawyers
October 19, 2015
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk have has been selected as 2016 Super Lawyers in the fields of estate planning and probate, and Megan Neal has been selected as a 2016 "Rising Star". Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice.
Amy Kanyuk Nominated to Board of Regents of American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
October 18, 2015
Amy Kanyuk has been nominated to the Board of Regents of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). ACTEC is the leading national trust and estate organization of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers. The Board of Regents is the governing board of ACTEC. Amy was elected as an ACTEC fellow in 2007, and currently serves as the NH State Chair.
Amy Kanyuk included in Best Lawyers in America
The Best Lawyers in America® 2016August 19, 2015
Amy Kanyuk has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2016, in the areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates.
Amy Kanyuk selected as Tax Lawyer of the Year
August 19, 2015
Amy has been named as the 2016 Tax Law "Lawyer of the Year" for Concord, NH by Best Lawyers. Only a single lawyer in each practice area in each community is selected as a "Lawyer of the Year." Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, and is based on an exhaustive annual peer-review survey.
Joe McDonald Selected as Best Lawyer
August 17, 2015
Joe McDonald has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, in the field of Trusts and Estates.
Megan elected president of EPC
July 1, 2015
Megan Neal has been elected as the president of the New Hampshire Estate Planning Council.
Joe McDonald has written two new white papers.
November 12, 2014
Joe McDonald has written new white papers on private placement life insurance and business succession planning. Visit our Publications page for copies.
The New Rules of Estate Planning
Wall Street JournalOctober 24, 2014
by Laura Saunders
Joe McDonald is quoted in a recent WSJ article discussing how estate planning strategies have changed. Visit our News page for a copy.
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk Selected as 2015 Super Laywers
October 17, 2014
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk have has been selected as 2015 Super Lawyers in the fields of estate planning and probate.
New Hampshire Passes Sweeping Trust Legislation
September 3, 2014
New Hampshire has enacted significant new trust legislation. For a summary of the changes, click the "News" tab on the left side of this page.
Joe McDonald Selected as Best Lawyer
August 18, 2014
Joe McDonald has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, in the field of Trusts and Estates.
Amy Kanyuk selected by peers for inclusion in the 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America
August 18, 2014
Amy Kanyuk has been selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, in the fields of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates.
Megan Neal Awarded Master’s Degree in Taxation
Boston University College of LawMay 17, 2014
Megan Neal has earned her LL.M in taxation from Boston University College of law, and received the Ernest M. Haddad Award for academic achievement.
Amy Kanyuk Selected as NH State Chair of American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
American College of Trust and Estate CounselApril 1, 2014
Amy Kanyuk is now the New Hampshire state chair of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
Amy Kanyuk’s article on fiduciaries has been published in Estate Planning magazine
Estate PlanningFebruary 1, 2014
by Amy Kanyuk
Amy Kanyuk's article on lawyers serving as fiduciaries has been published in the February 2014 edition of Estate Planning magazine.
When to Decant a Trust
Wall Street JournalJanuary 3, 2014
by Liz Moyer
Joe McDonald is quoted in a recent WSJ article discussing how to tinker with irrevocable trusts.
New Hampshire Circuit Court Sets up New Dedicated Trust Docket
January 1, 2014
New Hampshire has become the first state in the nation to establish a dedicated docket to handle complex trust and estate litigation, effective as of January 1, 2014. With this new docket, New Hampshire remains at the forefront of innovative, modern and taxpayer-friendly trust jurisdictions in the United States.
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk Selected as 2014 Super Laywers
Super LawyersNovember 1, 2013
Joe McDonald has been selected as a 2014 Super Lawyer in the fields of estate planning, probate and tax. Amy Kanyuk has been selected as a 2014 Super Lawyer in the fields of estate planning and probate.
More States Lower Taxes
Barron's PentaSeptember 14, 2013
by Carrie Coolidge
Joe McDonald is quoted in this Barron's article about the states with the lowest overall personal tax burdens. Not surprisingly, New Hampshire is among the most taxpayer-friendly states in the nation.
Amy Kanyuk Named Best Lawyer
Best Lawyers in AmericaSeptember 1, 2013
Amy Kanyuk has been selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2014 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, for her work in the practice areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates.
Amy Kanyuk named 2014 Tax Lawyer of the Year
Best LawyersSeptember 1, 2013
Amy Kanyuk has been selected by her peers as the 2014 Lawyer of the Year for Tax Law in Concord, NH.
Focus Shifts to State Estate-Tax Planning
Wall Street JournalMay 16, 2013
by Arden Dale
Joe McDonald is quoted in this Wall Street Journal article, which discusses the need for clients to consider state estate taxes when planning their estates.
McDonald & Kanyuk Named as Tier 1 Law Firm in Tax Law and Trusts and Estates Law
U.S. News and Best LawyersNovember 1, 2012
U.S.News – Best Lawyers has named McDonald & Kanyuk, PLLC as a Tier 1 law firm in tax law and trusts and estates.~~
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk Named as Super Lawyers
Super LawyersOctober 22, 2012
Joe McDonald and Amy Kanyuk have been selected as 2012 New England Super Lawyers. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.
Amy Kanyuk Selected as Best Lawyer
Best Lawyers in AmericaOctober 1, 2012
Amy Kanyuk has been selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2013 Best Lawyers in America listing, in the areas of tax law and trusts and estates.
How to Control Your Heirs From the Grave
Wall Street JournalAugust 10, 2012
by Laura Saunders
Joe McDonald is quoted in this Weekend Investor’s article, which examines the use of irrevocable trusts to control wealth passing to family members after death.
The Truth About Donor-Advised Funds
The Wall Street JournalJune 11, 2012
by Laura Saunders
Joe McDonald is quote in the Weekend Investor’s cover story, “Invasion of the Charity Snatchers!” The article examines the benefits of donor-advised funds, which allow investors to donate now and take deductions at current tax rates, while making the actual charitable gifts later. In effect, they are miniature versions of private foundations—but without the considerable expenses or hassles.
Wealthy Americans Turn To Trusts To Shield Assets
BloombergMay 23, 2012
by Elizabeth Ody
Joe McDonald is quoted in this article, which discusses executive liability insurance. This insurance is often the first line of financial defense for executives and directors caught up in litigation such as investor lawsuits. For others without such coverage, asset-protection trusts are the way many insulate their wealth from claims.
The Rush to Avoid Gift Taxes How to Make Sure You Don’t End Up With ‘Donor’s Remorse’
The Wall Street JournalMarch 17, 2012
Joe McDonald is quoted in this Weekend Investor's article. As the deadline approaches for taking advantage of the government's $5 million gift-tax exemption, estate planners are dealing with the fear of "donor's remorse." Families are looking to set up so-called irrevocable trusts to pass along assets to their heirs without paying gift tax—but worry they will change their minds later in life or will need to get the money back one day.
Raising the Bar: NH’s Top Attorneys
Business NH MagazineFebruary 1, 2010
by Erika Cohen and Matthew J. Mowry
Amy Kanyuk Selected by Her Peers as Best Tax and Trusts and Estates Lawyer in New Hampshire.
Trusts’ structure luring wealth to NH
New Hampshire Union LeaderJanuary 24, 2010
by Jim Kozubek