Course1

Drafting Client Engagement Letters in Trust and Estate Planning

$89.00

Client engagement letters are the foundation of a successful representation in trust and estate planning, administration or fiduciary litigation.  It’s where expectations are set – about fees, timelines, and who you are representing. Difficult issues involving conflicts of interests and decision-making can also be framed and addressed. These letters clarify goals and substantially reduce the risk of later dispute.  This program will provide you a practical guide to using client engagement letters to provide the foundation of a successful relationship in trust and estate planning, administration and litigation.   Most important elements of successful client engagement letter Spousal representations – joint representation or separate, and practical difficulties of each Representing multiple generations of a family – who is in charge?   Lawyer as fiduciary – what must you do if you’re the trustee How to handle extant or developing client incapacity Ongoing communication and billing issues Providing for withdrawal from an engagement – when and how   Speaker: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  Mr. Daniels received his A.B., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College and received his J.D., with honors, from Harvard Law School.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 12/2/2024
    Avail. Until
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Course1

Trust and Estate Planning for Pets

$89.00

Providing for the care of pets is, for some clients, their most urgent estate and trust priority.  These clients want to ensure that, after their own deaths, their pets are looked after in a safe and secure environment.  But the law is unclear in this area – there are few familiar planning patterns to follow in this area.The challenge for the planner is to create new structures to achieve these goals, including choosing standards for caregivers and trustees, drafting distribution provisions, and providing for the disposition of the remains of pets.This program will provide you with a practical guide to the estate and trust planning for pets and other animals, including drafting trusts, fiduciary standards, and distribution provisions.   Legal and practical framework for estate and trust planning for pets and other animals Traditional trusts v. statutory trusts – advantages and disadvantages of each Drafting standards for caregivers and trustees, and understanding the relationship between the two Distributions to caregivers for the pet and for themselves Designation of remainder beneficiary or trust, terminating the trust, and final disposition of pets or other animals   Speakers: Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.   Michael Sneeringer an attorney in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 12/3/2024
    Presented
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Course1

Trust and Estate Planning for Pets

$89.00

Providing for the care of pets is, for some clients, their most urgent estate and trust priority.  These clients want to ensure that, after their own deaths, their pets are looked after in a safe and secure environment.  But the law is unclear in this area – there are few familiar planning patterns to follow in this area.The challenge for the planner is to create new structures to achieve these goals, including choosing standards for caregivers and trustees, drafting distribution provisions, and providing for the disposition of the remains of pets.This program will provide you with a practical guide to the estate and trust planning for pets and other animals, including drafting trusts, fiduciary standards, and distribution provisions.   Legal and practical framework for estate and trust planning for pets and other animals Traditional trusts v. statutory trusts – advantages and disadvantages of each Drafting standards for caregivers and trustees, and understanding the relationship between the two Distributions to caregivers for the pet and for themselves Designation of remainder beneficiary or trust, terminating the trust, and final disposition of pets or other animals   Speakers: Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.   Michael Sneeringer an attorney in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 12/3/2024
    Presented
SEE MORE
Course1

Drafting Client Engagement Letters in Trust and Estate Planning

$89.00

Client engagement letters are the foundation of a successful representation in trust and estate planning, administration or fiduciary litigation.  It’s where expectations are set – about fees, timelines, and who you are representing. Difficult issues involving conflicts of interests and decision-making can also be framed and addressed. These letters clarify goals and substantially reduce the risk of later dispute.  This program will provide you a practical guide to using client engagement letters to provide the foundation of a successful relationship in trust and estate planning, administration and litigation.   Most important elements of successful client engagement letter Spousal representations – joint representation or separate, and practical difficulties of each Representing multiple generations of a family – who is in charge?   Lawyer as fiduciary – what must you do if you’re the trustee How to handle extant or developing client incapacity Ongoing communication and billing issues Providing for withdrawal from an engagement – when and how   Speaker: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 12/4/2024
    Presented
SEE MORE
Course1

Drafting Client Engagement Letters in Trust and Estate Planning

$89.00

Client engagement letters are the foundation of a successful representation in trust and estate planning, administration or fiduciary litigation.  It’s where expectations are set – about fees, timelines, and who you are representing. Difficult issues involving conflicts of interests and decision-making can also be framed and addressed. These letters clarify goals and substantially reduce the risk of later dispute.  This program will provide you a practical guide to using client engagement letters to provide the foundation of a successful relationship in trust and estate planning, administration and litigation.   Most important elements of successful client engagement letter Spousal representations – joint representation or separate, and practical difficulties of each Representing multiple generations of a family – who is in charge?   Lawyer as fiduciary – what must you do if you’re the trustee How to handle extant or developing client incapacity Ongoing communication and billing issues Providing for withdrawal from an engagement – when and how   Speaker: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 12/4/2024
    Presented
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Course1

The Art and Science of Conditional Gifts in Estate Planning

$89.00

In formulating their trust and estate plans, clients often want to set up benchmarks of achievement before distributions or gifts are made. These benchmarks often involve educational attainment – i.e., that a child obtain a college degree by a certain.  But they may involve more difficult to measure benchmarks or life goals that are arguably not appropriate – i.e., that a child marry or have children of their own by a certain age.  Conditional gifts can easily lead to resentments among beneficiaries, questionable enforceability, disputes, and fiduciary litigation.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to conditional gifting using incentive trusts and other mechanisms, and counseling clients about the real limits and risks of conditional gifting.   Conditional gifting using incentive trusts and other mechanisms Establishing objectively measurable conditions for gifts or distributions Types of conditions or benchmarks – education, life goals, etc. What’s enforceable, what’s not – counseling clients about limits Choosing the right fiduciaries to administer conditional gifts/incentive trusts   Speaker: Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.  Ms. Vaselaney received her B.A. from the University of Dayton and her J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.    

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 12/16/2024
    Avail. Until
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Course1

The Art and Science of Conditional Gifts in Estate Planning

$89.00

In formulating their trust and estate plans, clients often want to set up benchmarks of achievement before distributions or gifts are made. These benchmarks often involve educational attainment – i.e., that a child obtain a college degree by a certain.  But they may involve more difficult to measure benchmarks or life goals that are arguably not appropriate – i.e., that a child marry or have children of their own by a certain age.  Conditional gifts can easily lead to resentments among beneficiaries, questionable enforceability, disputes, and fiduciary litigation.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to conditional gifting using incentive trusts and other mechanisms, and counseling clients about the real limits and risks of conditional gifting.   Conditional gifting using incentive trusts and other mechanisms Establishing objectively measurable conditions for gifts or distributions Types of conditions or benchmarks – education, life goals, etc. What’s enforceable, what’s not – counseling clients about limits Choosing the right fiduciaries to administer conditional gifts/incentive trusts   Speaker: Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 12/18/2024
    Presented
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Course1

The Art and Science of Conditional Gifts in Estate Planning

$89.00

In formulating their trust and estate plans, clients often want to set up benchmarks of achievement before distributions or gifts are made. These benchmarks often involve educational attainment – i.e., that a child obtain a college degree by a certain.  But they may involve more difficult to measure benchmarks or life goals that are arguably not appropriate – i.e., that a child marry or have children of their own by a certain age.  Conditional gifts can easily lead to resentments among beneficiaries, questionable enforceability, disputes, and fiduciary litigation.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to conditional gifting using incentive trusts and other mechanisms, and counseling clients about the real limits and risks of conditional gifting.   Conditional gifting using incentive trusts and other mechanisms Establishing objectively measurable conditions for gifts or distributions Types of conditions or benchmarks – education, life goals, etc. What’s enforceable, what’s not – counseling clients about limits Choosing the right fiduciaries to administer conditional gifts/incentive trusts   Speaker: Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 12/18/2024
    Presented
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Course1

Trust and Estate Planning Issues in Divorce

$89.00

  Martial separation and divorce are times fraught with emotion, but also fraught with financial decisions that have a major estate, trust and tax implications.  Transfers pursuant to divorce are generally tax-deferred.  But there are many complications, including the transfer of property over time or where the value may not be known, the assumption of debts, the treatment of income held in trust, and also complex issues of beneficiary designations in retirement plans and insurance contracts. If not properly planned, these transfers can have substantially adverse and often unanticipated consequences.  Thus program will cover major issues in trust and estate planning for divorce.   Treatment of income from and property held in trust on divorce Traps surrounding beneficiary designations on retirement benefits and insurance contracts Opportunities for post-nuptial agreements to resolve lingering disputes Issues related to the sale or transfer of personal residences Income tax issues when property and debt are separated in divorce Health care issues for children, including insurance for the divorcing spouse Educational expenses for children over time   Speakers: Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.  Ms. Vaselaney received her B.A. from the University of Dayton and her J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Michael Sneeringer is a Partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He is an Executive Council member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Articles editor, Trust and Estate, for Probate & Property Magazine.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 1/18/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

Trust and Estate Planning in 2025: Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

$89.00

TBD

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 1/31/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Trust and Estate Planning in 2025: Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

$89.00

TBD

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 1/31/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Generational Wealth: Trust and Estate Planning to Preserve Family Businesses, Part 1

$89.00

Most successful businesses are owned by one or more families.  Because they are family owned, these companies create many special planning challenges.  Ownership and control do not shift among non-owner managers. Rather, succession in ownership and management is a momentous and often highly emotional process for members of the family.  Frequently, these transitions are caused by the retirement or death of members of a family member.  And these transitions, if not carefully planned and delicately handled, can be ruinous, damaging the family and their company.  This program will provide you a practical framework of trust and estate planning and succession planning for family businesses.    Day 1: Succession planning in family businesses Counseling clients on how to avoid family drama on succession Valuation issues for financial and tax purposes Buy-sell planning with family members or key employees Selling to third parties where intra-family succession is not possible Planning for the incapacity of the founding generation   Day 2: Life insurance trust planning – or as a compensating asset to certain heirs Structuring private annuities to transfer a business and provide income to founders Self-cancelling installments notes and intentionally defective irrevocable trusts Use of GRATS and “redemptive freezes”   Speaker: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  Mr. Daniels received his A.B., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College and received his J.D., with honors, from Harvard Law School.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 2/4/2025
    Presented
SEE MORE
Course1

Generational Wealth: Trust and Estate Planning to Preserve Family Businesses, Part 1

$89.00

Most successful businesses are owned by one or more families.  Because they are family owned, these companies create many special planning challenges.  Ownership and control do not shift among non-owner managers. Rather, succession in ownership and management is a momentous and often highly emotional process for members of the family.  Frequently, these transitions are caused by the retirement or death of members of a family member.  And these transitions, if not carefully planned and delicately handled, can be ruinous, damaging the family and their company.  This program will provide you a practical framework of trust and estate planning and succession planning for family businesses.    Day 1: Succession planning in family businesses Counseling clients on how to avoid family drama on succession Valuation issues for financial and tax purposes Buy-sell planning with family members or key employees Selling to third parties where intra-family succession is not possible Planning for the incapacity of the founding generation   Day 2: Life insurance trust planning – or as a compensating asset to certain heirs Structuring private annuities to transfer a business and provide income to founders Self-cancelling installments notes and intentionally defective irrevocable trusts Use of GRATS and “redemptive freezes”   Speaker: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  Mr. Daniels received his A.B., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College and received his J.D., with honors, from Harvard Law School.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 2/4/2025
    Presented
SEE MORE
Course1

Generational Wealth: Trust and Estate Planning to Preserve Family Businesses, Part 2

$89.00

Most successful businesses are owned by one or more families.  Because they are family owned, these companies create many special planning challenges.  Ownership and control do not shift among non-owner managers. Rather, succession in ownership and management is a momentous and often highly emotional process for members of the family.  Frequently, these transitions are caused by the retirement or death of members of a family member.  And these transitions, if not carefully planned and delicately handled, can be ruinous, damaging the family and their company.  This program will provide you a practical framework of trust and estate planning and succession planning for family businesses.    Day 1: Succession planning in family businesses Counseling clients on how to avoid family drama on succession Valuation issues for financial and tax purposes Buy-sell planning with family members or key employees Selling to third parties where intra-family succession is not possible Planning for the incapacity of the founding generation   Day 2: Life insurance trust planning – or as a compensating asset to certain heirs Structuring private annuities to transfer a business and provide income to founders Self-cancelling installments notes and intentionally defective irrevocable trusts Use of GRATS and “redemptive freezes”   Speaker: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  Mr. Daniels received his A.B., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College and received his J.D., with honors, from Harvard Law School.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 2/5/2025
    Presented
SEE MORE
Course1

Generational Wealth: Trust and Estate Planning to Preserve Family Businesses, Part 2

$89.00

Most successful businesses are owned by one or more families.  Because they are family owned, these companies create many special planning challenges.  Ownership and control do not shift among non-owner managers. Rather, succession in ownership and management is a momentous and often highly emotional process for members of the family.  Frequently, these transitions are caused by the retirement or death of members of a family member.  And these transitions, if not carefully planned and delicately handled, can be ruinous, damaging the family and their company.  This program will provide you a practical framework of trust and estate planning and succession planning for family businesses.    Day 1: Succession planning in family businesses Counseling clients on how to avoid family drama on succession Valuation issues for financial and tax purposes Buy-sell planning with family members or key employees Selling to third parties where intra-family succession is not possible Planning for the incapacity of the founding generation   Day 2: Life insurance trust planning – or as a compensating asset to certain heirs Structuring private annuities to transfer a business and provide income to founders Self-cancelling installments notes and intentionally defective irrevocable trusts Use of GRATS and “redemptive freezes”   Speaker: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  Mr. Daniels received his A.B., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College and received his J.D., with honors, from Harvard Law School.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 2/5/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Trust in Estate Planning in 2023: A Year of Change & Challenge

$89.00

Trust and estate planning in 2023 will require navigating many rocky patches. There are new assets classes. Inflation is rising. We are still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. There is legislation pending to substantially alter the taxability of estates. Familiar planning platforms and techniques may no longer be efficacious as change unfolds.  Planning requires not only looking at the law as it is today but as it may change – perhaps dramatically – during the year. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning in the uncertainty of 2022.   Tax legislation that will or has changed the taxability of estates Planning with rising inflation – and higher interest rates? Trends in valuation of estates with higher rates Considering how to handle new asset classes Planning for the ongoing effects of the pandemic   Speakers: Michael Sneeringer is a Partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He is an Executive Council member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Articles editor, Trust and Estate, for Probate & Property Magazine. Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.  

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 2/11/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Planning Strategies for Domestic Self-Settled Trusts

$89.00

In recent years, many states have begun to allow self-settled spendthrift trusts. These new trusts allow the settlor to obtain the benefits of offshore asset protection trusts without the complexity, cost, and byzantine application of foreign law. A settlor can shield assets from his or her creditors or tort claimants, remove those assets from his or her gross estate, and obtain other tax and non-tax benefits.Though more accessible than offshore trusts, domestic asset protection trusts still come with risk. This program will provide you with a practical guide to using self-settled spendthrift trusts and drafting their instruments.     What are domestic asset protection trusts? When are they best used and what are the risks? What states allow these trusts and subject to what limits? How do domestic trusts and offshore trust compare? What are the tax benefits and risks of thee trusts?   Speakers: Jonathan E. Gopman is a partner with Akerman, LLP in Naples, Florida and chair of the firm’s trust and estate group. His practice focuses on sophisticated wealth accumulation and preservation planning strategies for entrepreneurs.  He is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and co-author of the revised version of the BNA Tax Management Portfolio “Estate Tax Payments and Liabilities.”  He is also a commentator on asset protection planning matters for Leimberg Information Services, Inc., a member of the legal advisory board of Commonwealth Trust Company in Wilmington, Delaware, and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Mr. Gopman received his B.A. from the University of South Florida, his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law, and his LL.M. from the University of Miami.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 2/13/2025
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Planning Strategies for Domestic Self-Settled Trusts

$89.00

In recent years, many states have begun to allow self-settled spendthrift trusts. These new trusts allow the settlor to obtain the benefits of offshore asset protection trusts without the complexity, cost, and byzantine application of foreign law. A settlor can shield assets from his or her creditors or tort claimants, remove those assets from his or her gross estate, and obtain other tax and non-tax benefits.Though more accessible than offshore trusts, domestic asset protection trusts still come with risk. This program will provide you with a practical guide to using self-settled spendthrift trusts and drafting their instruments.     What are domestic asset protection trusts? When are they best used and what are the risks? What states allow these trusts and subject to what limits? How do domestic trusts and offshore trust compare? What are the tax benefits and risks of thee trusts?   Speakers: Jonathan E. Gopman is a partner with Akerman, LLP in Naples, Florida and chair of the firm’s trust and estate group. His practice focuses on sophisticated wealth accumulation and preservation planning strategies for entrepreneurs.  He is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and co-author of the revised version of the BNA Tax Management Portfolio “Estate Tax Payments and Liabilities.”  He is also a commentator on asset protection planning matters for Leimberg Information Services, Inc., a member of the legal advisory board of Commonwealth Trust Company in Wilmington, Delaware, and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Mr. Gopman received his B.A. from the University of South Florida, his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law, and his LL.M. from the University of Miami.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 2/13/2025
    Presented
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Course1

Estate Planning for Digital Assets

$89.00

Some of the most valuable assets a client has are the most difficult to define, value, and transfer on death.  “Digital assets” – everything from digital music and pictures stored online, to bank and credit card reward programs, Facebook pages and online TurboTax files, bank and retirement account credentials – are a class of asset that every client has, yet planning for them is new.  These assets are not governed by a conventional set of federal or state laws, rather by a complex set of rules set by a variety of organizations, none of which are standardized but which planners need to understand nonetheless to satisfy client expectations.  This program will provide you guide to the nature of digital assets, how they are controlled, and how to plan for them.   Digital assets in estate planning – defining and transferring them on death How failure to plan for these assets can scuttle estate plans and disappoint client expectations Fiduciary access to digital assets under current law Practical planning for digital assets – what works, what doesn’t, and what’s not at all clear How user polices impact the planning process – what you need to know about how these assets are titled and controlled How federal law impacts the planning process and unconventional planning issues   Speakers: Michael Sneeringer is a Partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He is an Executive Council member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Articles editor, Trust and Estate, for Probate & Property Magazine. Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001. 

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 2/17/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

How to Fix a Broken Trust: Decanting, Reformation & Other Tools

$89.00

Not every irrevocable trust ends up serving its intended purpose or is financially viable.  Many unforeseen events can and do occur – tax laws change, family circumstance change – sometimes dramatically, or there can be d a deep downturn in a family business.  In these and many other circumstances trusts are broken and need to be “fixed” – fiduciary powers adjusted, distributions policies modified, trusts divided or merged, or even terminated.  The process of accomplishing these fixes are necessarily limited and come with risks, including tax liability and potentially liability to future beneficiaries. This program will provide you with a practical guide to techniques for fixing broken irrevocable trusts.   Trust reformation by agreement of all stakeholder or by court order Principal and income adjustment powers under the UPIA Techniques for converting a trust from one type to another Use of “decanting” to terminate trusts and distribute assets when the trust is not viable Framework of tax considerations when trusts are restructured or terminated   Speaker: Benjamin S. Candland is a partner in the Richmond, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, LLP, where his practice focuses on estate planning, administration, estate and gift taxation, and litigation. He provides individual clients with advice on various estate planning matters involving estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. He is a member of the ABA Real Property and Probate Section and the Virginia Bar Association Trusts and Estate Section. Mr. Candland received his B.A. from Brigham Young University and his J.D. from the College of William and Mary School of Law.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 3/1/2025
    Avail. Until
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Course1

Trust & Estate Planning for Religious and Philosophical Beliefs

$89.00

Every trust and estate plan reflects the values of the client.  These values are often rooted, consciously or not, in religious, philosophical or ethical belief systems.  Some clients choose to make these values explicit in their plans and documents.  This can be sensitive terrain for lawyers, not always familiar with integrating explicit religious, philosophical, and ethical statements into legal documents. Understanding the purposes of clients, advising clients about the real limits of what the law can accomplish or will allow, and drafting documents for these clients can be a major challenge.  This program will discuss advising clients about integrating religious, philosophical and ethical beliefs into their trust and estate plans.   Understanding and documenting client beliefs and the purposes they seek to achieve in trust and estate plans Counseling clients about what can be practically achieved and the limitations of law Anticipating possible post-mortem challenges and steps to enhance enforceability and mitigate litigation Practical guidance on drafting underlying legal or supplementary documents – and common traps   Speaker: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  Mr. Daniels received his A.B., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College and received his J.D., with honors, from Harvard Law School.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 3/3/2025
    Avail. Until
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ABCs of Choosing & Drafting the Right Trust for Client Goals

$89.00

TBD

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 3/7/2025
    Presented
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ABCs of Choosing & Drafting the Right Trust for Client Goals

$89.00

TBD

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 3/7/2025
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Trust and Estate Planning for Pets

$89.00

Providing for the care of pets is, for some clients, their most urgent estate and trust priority.  These clients want to ensure that, after their own deaths, their pets are looked after in a safe and secure environment.  But the law is unclear in this area – there are few familiar planning patterns to follow in this area.The challenge for the planner is to create new structures to achieve these goals, including choosing standards for caregivers and trustees, drafting distribution provisions, and providing for the disposition of the remains of pets.This program will provide you with a practical guide to the estate and trust planning for pets and other animals, including drafting trusts, fiduciary standards, and distribution provisions.   Legal and practical framework for estate and trust planning for pets and other animals Traditional trusts v. statutory trusts – advantages and disadvantages of each Drafting standards for caregivers and trustees, and understanding the relationship between the two Distributions to caregivers for the pet and for themselves Designation of remainder beneficiary or trust, terminating the trust, and final disposition of pets or other animals   Speakers: Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.   Michael Sneeringer an attorney in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.

  • Audio Webcast
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 3/14/2025
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Trust and Estate Planning for Pets

$89.00

Providing for the care of pets is, for some clients, their most urgent estate and trust priority.  These clients want to ensure that, after their own deaths, their pets are looked after in a safe and secure environment.  But the law is unclear in this area – there are few familiar planning patterns to follow in this area.The challenge for the planner is to create new structures to achieve these goals, including choosing standards for caregivers and trustees, drafting distribution provisions, and providing for the disposition of the remains of pets.This program will provide you with a practical guide to the estate and trust planning for pets and other animals, including drafting trusts, fiduciary standards, and distribution provisions.   Legal and practical framework for estate and trust planning for pets and other animals Traditional trusts v. statutory trusts – advantages and disadvantages of each Drafting standards for caregivers and trustees, and understanding the relationship between the two Distributions to caregivers for the pet and for themselves Designation of remainder beneficiary or trust, terminating the trust, and final disposition of pets or other animals   Speakers: Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.   Michael Sneeringer an attorney in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 3/14/2025
    Presented
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Trust and Estate Planning with Rising and Volatile Interest Rates

$89.00

Interest rates are at historically low levels and the Federal Reserve has repeatedly made clear that they will remain so for the foreseeable future.  Low rates create both opportunities and traps for estate planners.  Several advanced planning techniques, including self-cancelling installment notes on sales of property to family members, rely on low rates to achieve tax-favored results. Though these planning techniques lower estate and gift taxes, they also produce income tax traps.  For instance, if not properly structured, loans at low rates to a family member might result in imputed interest on the loan being attributed to the benefactor. This program will provide you with a practical guide to the estate and gift planning structures in a low interest rate environment and how to avoid income tax traps. Techniques for capitalizing on low interest rates in estate and trust planning Common income tax traps, including imputed interest on a loan to a child and election mistakes Utilizing installment sales to family members and low rate loans Techniques for using GRATs and Charitable Lead Trusts Understanding sales to intentionally defective grantor trusts Self-cancelling installment notes   Speaker: Jeremiah W. Doyle, IV is senior vice president in the Boston office of BNY Mellon Wealth Management, where he provides integrated wealth management advice to high net worth individuals on holding, managing and transferring wealth in a tax-efficient manner.  He is the editor and co-author of “Preparing Fiduciary Income Tax Returns,” a contributing author of Preparing Estate Tax Returns, and a contributing author of “Understanding and Using Trusts,” all published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.  Mr. Doyle received his B.S. from Providence College, his J.D. form Hamline University Law School, and his LL.M. in banking from Boston University Law School.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 3/29/2025
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Default and Eviction of Commercial Real Estate Tenants

$89.00

When a commercial real estate tenant defaults on a lease, there is substantial risk not only for the tenant but also for the landlord.  Though the lease may specify extensive landlord remedies, most courts will strictly construe the lease against the landlord, requiring strict adherence to notice of default and other process-related provisions in the lease. Failure to comply with these provisions and the requirements of law exposes the landlord to substantial liability, including lease termination and loss of rent, even though the tenant is in default. There are additional risks if the landlord accepts partial rent payments from the tenant or takes possession of the leasehold or tenant chattels. This program will provide you with a practical guide to tenant default under commercial leases and provide tips for drafting leases to protect landlords.   Drafting in anticipation of tenant default Essential steps in providing notice of default and eviction Common landlord mistakes – waiver of tenant default, tenant lockouts, disposal of tenant/third party property Liability issues for landlord – lease termination, loss of rent, damages Tenant remedies for improper landlord actions   Speaker: John S. Hollyfield is of counsel and a former partner in the Houston office Norton Rose Fulbright, LLP.  He has more than 40 years’ experience in real estate law practice.  He formerly served as chair of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, president of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and chair of the Anglo-American Real Property Institute.  He has been named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in Real Estate Law by Texas Monthly magazine and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law.  He is co-editor of Modern Banking and Lending Forms (4th Edition), published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont.  

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/6/2025
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Beneficiary Designations in Retirement Accounts: Protecting a Lifetime of Savings

$89.00

Other than a personal residence, the largest single asset class consists of financial assets. These accounts may be 401(k)s or IRAs, annuity or insurance contracts, or a variety of brokerage or bank accounts. The crucial planning aspect of these types of accounts or contracts is that they can be transferred through beneficiary designations. Though a seemingly simple expedient, beneficiary designations vary among types of accounts and each comes with its own nuances – and traps, which can lead to severely adverse tax and practical outcomes.  This program will provide you with a real-world guide to understanding, reviewing, and drafting beneficiary designations in trust and estate planning.   How beneficiary designations vary depending on the type of custodial account involved Differences among retirement accounts, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, life insurance policies How designations differ depending on the type of beneficiary – individual, institutional, trust, etc. “Payable on Death” agreements for bank accounts Practical guidance on how designations are made & common drafting traps   Speaker: Jeremiah W. Doyle, IV is senior vice president in the Boston office of BNY Mellon Wealth Management, where he provides integrated wealth management advice to high net worth individuals on holding, managing and transferring wealth in a tax-efficient manner.  He is the editor and co-author of “Preparing Fiduciary Income Tax Returns,” a contributing author of Preparing Estate Tax Returns,and a contributing author of “Understanding and Using Trusts,” all published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.  Mr. Doyle received his B.S. from Providence College, his J.D. form Hamline University Law School, and his LL.M. in banking from Boston University Law School.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/12/2025
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Trust and Estate Planning for Second Marriages

$89.00

Second marriages pose a wide range of planning challenges.  Planning for the equitable distribution of property in “blended” families – children or grandchildren from a prior marriage, a second spouse, and perhaps children from the second marriage – is fraught with legal and emotional landmines well beyond customary tax planning.  Failure to carefully consider objectives and consequences and to communicate and execute plans can easily leave a client’s estate exposed to open and raw disputes among competing heirs and eventually to destructive fiduciary litigation. This program will provide you with a guide to the practical, substantive and tax aspects of planning for clients with second marriages and blended families.   Emotional context of planning for remarried clients and blended families Use of pre-marital agreements to spot contentious issues, align interests, and decrease post-mortem litigation Income tax planning issues for the second marriage, including exemptions and credits Use of trusts and gifting to prevent unjust enrichment of one branch of a blended family Traps and opportunities with retirement benefits Post-mortem planning techniques when the first spouse dies – and issues on the “second death”   Speakers:  Michael Sneeringer an attorney in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.   Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.  

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/29/2025
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2023 Fiduciary Litigation Update

$89.00

This program will provide you with a wide-ranging discussion of developments in fiduciary litigation. Challenges to the validity of an estate, claims involving non-probate transfers, and trustee liability cases litigation will be covered. The program will also cover claims based on a fiduciary’s management of assets in a time of extreme volatility and crisis. This program will provide you with a practical guide to recent developments in fiduciary litigation.    Review of significant case law developments and trends in fiduciary litigation Challenges to validity of an estate Claims involving non-probate transfers Trustee liability cases Failure to diversify trust assets in a time of volatility and crisis Claims based on distribution polices or abuse of discretionary distributions   Speaker: Steven B. Malech is partner in the New York City office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where he is chair of the firm’s probate litigation practice group.  He is represents beneficiaries, fiduciaries and creditors in disputes involving alleged violations of the Prudent Investor Act and its predecessors, alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, disputed accountings, and will contests. He represents clients in cutting edge probate litigation matters involving trusts and estates with assets in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Mr. Malech received his B.A., with special honors, from the University of Texas and his J.D. from the Connecticut School of Law. Michael Kenny is counsel in the New York City office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on commercial, probate, construction, and maritime litigation.  He has represented clients in domestic and international arbitrations, including proceedings before the American Arbitration Association and the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. His litigation and arbitration experience includes the preparation and trial of warranty claims and ship repair disputes. Mr. Kenny received his B.A. from the College of The Holy Cross and his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. Matthew Smith is a partner in the Westport, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, where he advises clients on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and probate litigation. His estate planning practice focuses on assisting individuals and families with practical estate, gift, and tax planning, including the preparation of wills and trusts. Before joining the firm, Matt was a litigation associate for Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.  Mr. Smith earned his A.B., cum laude, from Harvard University and his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.

  • MP3 Download
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/6/2025
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