Even though the current transfer tax exemption is extremely high to the point that few decedents have a federal estate tax liability, administering an estate is a burden for many family members. In many cases, the family members will look to their professional advisors for help in estate planning and administering an estate. The purpose of this program is to discuss those issues that practitioners with clients involved in estate planning administration need to know to advise those clients. Lack of planning and preparedness in estate issues can cost the heirs time and money upon a decedent’s death.
Learning Objectives
- Advise clients regarding the latest information on estate planning and administration
Major Topics
- The federal transfer tax exemption
- What constitutes a valid will
- Common trust vehicles often used to safeguard assets
- Consequences of intestacy
- How to transfer property outside of a will
- Legal treatment of marital property
- Transfer of IRAs and retirement plans
- Probate generally and probate for property held outside of the state of decedent’s residence
- When an estate tax return should be filed
- Portability of the Deceased Spousal Unused Exclusion (DSUE) amount
