Training Course Syllabus:

The Essentials of Probate Practice

Efficiently and Accurately Handle the Challenges of Probate

To ensure a successful outcome in settling an estate for your clients, you need to have a thorough understanding of the probate process. How does your knowledge stack up? Get the solid foundation you need to thrive in the probate arena by attending this up-to-date seminar. Examine the nuts and bolts of the probate process so you'll be better prepared to handle decedents' estates. Register today!

• The probate process: know how to and where to begin to improve your efficiency and effectiveness.
• Properly handle claims against the estate.
• Not finding a will? Identify hidden ways to determine the existence of a will.
• Easily coordinate the filing of the estate tax and fiduciary income tax return.
• Confidently handle the closing process from the timing of distributions to obtaining discharge of the personal representative.
• Identify common probate problems and come away with solutions that work!
• Recognize and protect spousal rights during the probate process.
• Advise your clients on what family allowances can be taken.

1. INITIATING THE PROBATE PROCESS
   8:30 - 9:45, Written by Donald J. Farinato
   Presented by Richard W. Buhrman in Chattanooga and Donald J. Farinato in Knoxville
   1. Interviewing and Determining the Personal Representative
   2. Evaluating the Estate to Minimize Costs and Expenses - The High Cost of Dying
   3. Locating, Collecting and Taking Inventory of the Decedent's Assets - Probate vs. Nonprobate
   4. Determining Which Types of Administration are Right for You - Informal or Formal
   5. Elections and Filings
   6. Handling Claims Against the Estate
   7. Using Renunciation and Disclaimers as a Post-Mortem Planning Device
2. SPOUSE'S RIGHTS AND FAMILY MAINTENANCE
   9:45 - 10:45, Written by Joel D. Roettger
   Presented by Richard W. Buhrman in Chattanooga and Joel D. Roettger in Knoxville
   1. Determining the Existence or Nonexistence of a Will
   2. Duties of the Personal Representative
   3. Homestead and Exempt Property - What is Legally Your Client's, Regardless of Value
   4. Effect of Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
   5. The Surviving Spouse's Elective Share
   6. What Are the Family Allowances That Can Be Taken?
3. BASIC TAX MATTERS
   11:00 - 12:15, Written by Donald J. Farinato and Joel D. Roettger
   Presented by Richard W. Buhrman in Chattanooga and Donald J. Farinato and Joel D. Roettger in Knoxville
   1. Overview of Tax Compliance and Post-Mortem Planning
   2. Coordinating and Filing the Estate Tax and Fiduciary Income Tax Return
   3. Planning for an Estate Tax Audit
   4. Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes
   5. Disclaimers
   6. Reverse QTIP Elections
4. CLOSING THE ESTATE
   1:15 - 2:15, Written by Joel D. Roettger
   Presented by Jerry N. Estes in Chattanooga and Joel D. Roettger in Knoxville
   
   1. Timing of Distributions
   2. Transfer of Probate and Nonprobate Assets
   3. Distributions to Minors and Trusts
   4. Preparing the Final Account
   5. Petition for Complete Settlement
   6. Obtaining Discharge of the Personal Representative
5. ETHICS IN PROBATE PRACTICE
   2:15 - 3:15, Written by Donald J. Farinato
   Presented by Jerry N. Estes in Chattanooga and Donald J. Farinato in Knoxville
   1. Performing Competent Legal Services
   2. Identifying the Client
   3. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
   4. Distinguishing Privileged and Non-Privileged Communication
   5. Keeping the Client Informed
   6. Establishing Attorneys' Fees
6. COMMON PROBATE PROBLEMS AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM
   3:30 - 4:40, Written by Donald J. Farinato and Joel D. Roettger
   Presented by Jerry N. Estes in Chattanooga and Donald J. Farinato and Joel D. Roettger in Knoxville
   1. What to Do When the Decedent Has Property in More Than One State - Multiple Domiciles
   2. Inter Vivos and Testamentary Trusts
   3. Intestate Administration
   4. Lost/Withheld Wills

Seminar Summary:

Get the solid foundation you need to thrive in the probate arena by attending this up-to-date seminar. (see full course description)

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