Assembling Your Squad: Working with Advisors in the Settlement Process

Understand the various types of assets that pass outside of a will or trust, the mechanism of conveyance, and applicable law.

The death of a client is the true test of how all the estate planning plays out. Understanding the nuts and bolts of the estate administration process can help you anticipate potential problems in your drafting. Cover how the attorney can help with the estate settlement responsibilities, tasks that will need to be completed and considerations for post-mortem tax planning.

Antiques, art, jewelry, and other family heirlooms are often the source of the most anxiety and carry the greatest potential for conflict following a death in the family. In many cases, the financial value of the “stuff” is modest relative to other assets that comprise a typical estate or trust. Mitigating the risks of fights over stuff also goes beyond the standard language that is often written into estate plan documents to dispose of tangible personal property at death. Examine a few of the ways in which planners can help their clients reduce the risk of destructive and costly fights over stuff long before their clients actually die.