Estate Planning & Probate

MCLE Complete is your complete solution to fulfilling MCLE requirements. We've taken 30+ pre-selected hours of the best IICLE® programs in your practice area and combined them in one bundle for one affordable price.

MCLE Complete is your complete solution to fulfilling MCLE requirements. We've taken 30+ pre-selected hours of the best IICLE® programs in your practice area and combined them in one bundle for one affordable price.

This hands-on workshop will equip you with the practical skills needed to accurately complete key federal gift and estate tax forms, including Forms 709 and 706. You'll also receive instruction on Forms 8971 and 1041, post-mortem tax planning strategies, and relevant aspects of Illinois estate tax law. Using a detailed hypothetical, participants will complete forms and perform calculations in real time, ensuring a thorough understanding of these complex filings. Bring your pencils and be prepared to dive into the details.

Probate litigation often involves more than legal arguments—it touches deeply personal and emotional aspects of clients' lives. This session explores the psychological dynamics that underpin family disputes, grief, and decision-making during probate proceedings. Gain insights into how emotions impact legal strategies, client relationships, and case outcomes and learn to navigate these complex dynamics, fostering stronger client relationships, and achieving more constructive resolutions in probate cases. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.

Estate planning becomes more complex when clients have assets that span multiple states. This session explores the intricacies of multi-state estate planning, including Illinois tax considerations, administrative requirements, and strategies for clients contemplating relocation. Learn how to adapt estate plans to align with the rules of multiple jurisdictions and create flexible and effective plans that anticipate your clients’ evolving needs and ensure smooth administration across state lines. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.

Dive into the world of acronym trusts and their role in advanced estate planning. This session provides an overview of Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts (CRATs), Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUTs) and other acronym trusts, highlighting their unique features and strategic applications. Additionally, explore the reciprocal trust doctrine, its implications in estate planning, and how to structure trusts to avoid triggering unintended tax consequences. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.

Discretionary distributions are a powerful estate planning tool, offering trustees the flexibility to address beneficiaries' unique circumstances. This session delves into the nuances of drafting and administering discretionary distribution provisions. Explore best practices for balancing trustee discretion with fiduciary obligations, mitigating conflicts among beneficiaries, and ensuring compliance with legal and tax considerations. Learn how to craft clear guidelines that align with the grantor's intent while providing trustees with the tools they need to make sound, equitable decisions. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.

Get to know the basics of Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) taxation and how it fits into trust planning. Explore the mechanics of the GST tax, available exemptions, and practical strategies for structuring multi-generational wealth transfers. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.

Basis planning is a critical tool for minimizing tax liabilities and maximizing asset value during estate planning and transfers. This session will explore strategies to optimize basis adjustments, including step-up and step-down considerations, and their impact on capital gains and estate taxes. Gain insights into common scenarios, such as gifting versus inheriting assets, and learn how to structure transactions to achieve favorable tax outcomes for your clients. Whether planning for lifetime gifts or post-mortem transfers, this session equips attorneys with the knowledge to enhance the financial benefits of their clients' estate plans. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.

This introductory guide explains the fundamentals of the Illinois Estate Tax, including who is subject to the tax, exemption thresholds, and filing requirements. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.

Retirement accounts often form a significant portion of an estate, requiring specialized planning to maximize tax efficiency and ensure smooth transitions. This session covers strategies for managing estates heavily weighted with retirement assets, including planning during the client’s lifetime and post-death administration. Explore key topics such as required minimum distributions (RMDs), beneficiary designations, the SECURE Act's impact, and tax-efficient payout strategies. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.

This session offers attorneys an overview of the Illinois Trust Code (ITC), highlighting its core provisions and practical implications for trust administration and estate planning. Gain insights into trustee duties, beneficiary rights, and recent changes that impact both new and existing trusts. Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2025.