Estate Planning & Probate

Understand recent developments in income tax matters and the impact on estate planning and administration.

PRE-ORDER This practice guides cover business and tax issues in probate claims.

As estate planners we help our clients prepare for death but often fail to think about our own legal practices and firms as an asset that deserves planning. In our session, we will address the importance of creating a firm succession plan (and the professional responsibility to do so) as well as planning for other transitions including attorney leave (whether caused by happy or unhappy circumstances), sale of practices, and attorney transitions to new firms. We will examine a case study of a firm where decedent lawyer did not have a succession plan (and the resulting headaches and heartaches) and give practical suggestions for attendees including sample language to consider adding to firm engagement letters, internal policies and practical guides for succession planning, and provide attendees a succession plan template that can be adapted to fit the transition circumstances.

Has the post-COVID-19 world widened the generational gap among attorneys? Featuring a range of panelists with a variety of years of experience, this session will explore how different generations interpret the recent changes to the practice of law and what changes may be here to stay.

Discuss legal and practical concerns relating to the determination of an Illinois court’s jurisdiction over out-of-state trust property, trustees, and beneficiaries. Topics will include the distinction between, and necessity for, in rem and in personam jurisdiction, relevant statutes and constitutional law. Practical solutions, pitfalls and the Illinois Trust Code will be discussed.

We are in the midst of the largest inter-generational transfer of wealth than at any other time in history. In this session, we will identify and explore the various issues that arise in planning for the transition of a family business from the senior generation to the family members who are next in line. Many of these challenges are ones that may not have been faced by previous generations, simply due to changes in societal norms. By anticipating and planning for these potential issues, you will be better able to serve your family business clients.

This presentation will address fiduciary administration and estate planning considerations related to cryptocurrency including: planning ideas, practical tips and an overview of recent cryptocurrency developments.

When an agent exploits their principal’s trust, legal action may be taken to remedy that breach of faith. Practitioners will learn procedural and substantive strategies to remove bad actors or invalidate powers of attorney within the guardianship forum.

Effective on January 1, 2020 (with a few minor exceptions), the SECURE Act brought a sea of change in estate planning for retirement benefits. This presentation will cover the latest developments with respect to the SECURE Act and other recent happenings in this area.

Learn about the interplay between Special Needs Trusts, Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.

Having avoided the Congressional chopping block in 2021, Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts, or SLATs, continue to be a popular gift planning vehicle for married couples. This session will explore what makes SLATs so popular, with examples of many of the common provisions and drafting considerations for these trusts. In addition, this discussion will touch on maximizing clients’ gifting strategies through one or more SLATs, the reciprocal trust doctrine, the effects of divorce, and providing flexibility for changes in circumstances.