Estate Planning Short Course 2025 – Champaign, IL

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are foundational tools for retirement planning, but their rules can be complex. This session provides a comprehensive overview of IRA fundamentals, including contribution limits, tax advantages, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and beneficiary designations. Learn the differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, strategies for rollovers, and how to avoid common tax pitfalls.

Payton M. Heyen Pech, Sandberg Phoenix, St. Louis

Even the most meticulously crafted estate plan is ineffective if left unimplemented by the client prior to their passing. This session provides a practical guide for attorneys on managing unexecuted estate plans post-mortem. Explore the legal and procedural steps to address gaps, mitigate potential conflicts, and honor the client's intent. Topics include probate strategies, tax considerations, and working with heirs to achieve equitable outcomes. Learn how to turn challenges into opportunities for resolution and ensure a smooth estate administration process.

Beth K. Flowers, Mathis, Marifian & Richter, LTD., Edwardsville 📘

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.

Sarah Barnes, Harrison LLP, Chicago 📘
Victoria L. Cejka, Harrison LLP, Chicago

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.

Robert K. Kirkland, Sandberg Phoenix, Kansas City
Lily Puent, Sandberg Phoenix, St. Louis

This introductory guide explains the fundamentals of the Illinois Estate Tax, including who is subject to the tax, exemption thresholds, and filing requirements.

Hugh F. Drake, Brown, Hay + Stephens, Springfield 📘

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.

Shawn M. McCullough, Harrison LLP, Chicago 📘

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.

Julie J. Olenn, BMO Financial Group, Chicago 📘

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.

Joe Blumberg, ArentFox Schiff LLP, Chicago 📘
Christin Handa, Northern Trust, Chicago

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.

Georgia Demeros, Thompson Coburn LLP, Chicago
Jennifer F. Kuzminski, Aronberg Goldgehn, Chicago

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.

Julie S. Pleshivoy, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Chicago 📘

(1 mental health and substance abuse professional responsibility)
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.

Dr. Colin Brietzke, Chicagoland Neuropsychology, Chicago
Thomas P. Downey, SI Elder Law, LLC, Marion