Estate Planning for Non-Estate Planners

Even for attorneys with no interest in practicing trusts and estates law, knowing the basics of this area adds tremendous value to their lives, their clients’ lives, and to their friends and family. Unfortunately, this is the area of law that will impact everyone in one way or another, whether as an attorney or as an individual.

This course will cover topics such as the differences between wills and trusts, why clients may want or have them, and what probate is and why it is often disliked. Participants will learn the tax implications (and what is expected in terms of changes in the next few years) of passing away (and a primer on how different the tri-state area alone is in its tax treatment). Important areas of discussion will also include other documents and considerations that comprise an estate plan, as well as how a well-drafted plan protects clients’ families and ensures their legacy. Attendees will be given a brief introduction to advanced planning. Finally, probate differs between states, so attorneys will learn the differences between NY vs. NJ; Tax Cliff in NY, Estate Tax in CT.

This program is targeted to new attorneys; either still deciding on where to focus their practice or who practice in other areas and would benefit from more of a working knowledge, and/or would like to be prepared for the call from friends, family, or past clients who need some guidance. This will introduce attendees to the core concepts and resources to understand some of the more complex areas in greater detail. This is a legal skill and a life skill!

Learning Objectives:

1. Assess why estate plans are needed. 
2. Explore what estate taxes are and how they impact planning.
3. Examine the Holistic Estate Plan.
4. Recognize the role of advanced planning.