Programs

An examination of estate planning strategies designed to address the unique challenges of second marriages, blended families, and evolving family structures.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

Seemingly routine boilerplate language can create unintended fiduciary exposure, administrative inefficiencies, or beneficiary disputes. This session examines those risks and offers practical guidance on counseling clients through fiduciary selections and distribution decisions to help ensure estate plans operate as intended.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

By using modeling to illustrate the financial impact of an estate planning proposal, clients can better understand the four factors that shift wealth to future generations as well as the financial impact these factors have on the client's retained assets needed to support the clients for the remainder of their lives. The materials use spreadsheet modeling that can help understand the four primary wealth shifting factors that contribute to successful wealth transfer, including which factors are more and less important and mitigate the "burn" caused by the grantor paying the income taxes on trust income. Modeling a strategy provides tangible numerical data and deep insights into the strategy proposed. The materials provide readers with practical tips to help clients make decisions about their planning so that their decisions align with their personal needs and financial goals.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

Selling discounted assets to an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust can dramatically enhance wealth transfer results for high net worth clients. This session highlights how valuation discounts, grantor trust rules, and interest rate planning work together to move appreciation out of the taxable estate while minimizing transfer tax exposure. Practical structuring tips and common pitfalls will be addressed to help practitioners confidently implement this powerful strategy.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

With AI tools increasingly available to clients, this session explores how estate planning attorneys can continue to add meaningful value in the age of artificial intelligence. The discussion surveys common AI estate planning products, identifies red flags and ethical pitfalls, and examines responsible uses of AI for drafting, document review, and summarization, while emphasizing best practices for protecting client confidentiality and data security.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

Review recent significant trust and estate decisions, including Coffman, and the practical lessons they offer. This session examines common sources of disputes and identifies strategies to reduce litigation risk.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

Retirement assets present unique income tax and planning challenges in a post SECURE Act environment. This session explores drafting and administration strategies for naming trusts as retirement plan beneficiaries, including conduit and accumulation trusts, the 10 year rule, and planning considerations for eligible designated beneficiaries.

An overview of special needs trust (SNT) types, Medicare considerations, and planning resources critical to developing and administering effective special needs planning strategies.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

Estate planning attorneys frequently navigate complex ethical issues, particularly when representing fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and family members with overlapping interests. This session provides a focused discussion of conflicts of interest in estate planning matters, with special attention to the fiduciary exception and attorney client privilege considerations. Learn how to identify potential conflicts, avoid common pitfalls, and maintain compliance with ethical obligations.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

Technical knowledge alone is not enough to build a thriving estate planning practice. Success also requires strong operational systems, clear client communication, and intentional business development. This session provides practical guidance on growing and managing a client centered estate planning practice, with a focus on streamlining client intake, managing expectations, and adopting effective business development strategies.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

This session provides a practical guide to the trustee’s administrative responsibilities, alongside key income tax concepts essential for estate planning practitioners. Topics include distributable net income (DNI), preparation of Form 1041, and compliance considerations, with an emphasis on real world application.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.

Complex jurisdictional challenges and overlooked probate tools can significantly impact estate administration. This panel will explore the Norris Rule and the Illinois Attorney General’s role when charitable interests are involved, offering practical insights for navigating high-stakes probate matters.
Originally presented as part of Estate Planning Short Course 2026.