Fundamental Probate Procedures and Practice Training Class

Course ID: 13174

Fundamental Probate Procedures and Practice Training Seminar

Capably Carry Out Your Client's Final Wishes

Probate is one of the most challenging areas of practice - especially since your client is no longer available to answer your questions. You need to have a keen understanding of the probate process, plus the analytical skills it takes to obtain the information you need, assimilate it, and come out at the end having fulfilled your client's wishes. Easy, right? It can be, as long as you know how.

At this practical, information-packed seminar, you'll learn, from seasoned professionals, exactly what to expect during the probate process. Get the ball rolling by knowing proper procedures for initiating probate. Determine the spouse's rights so you can make sure the family's needs are taken care of. Manage unforeseen circumstances with troubleshooting tips for almost any situation. Develop an action plan for smoothly closing the estate and ensure all loose ends are tied up. This is a comprehensive seminar you won't want to miss.

Discover whether there is a will or not - and know what to do either way.
Understand the duties of the personal representative so you can work together to achieve your clients' goals.
Ensure everything is accounted for by locating, collecting and taking inventory of assets.
Follow correct procedures for handling claims against the estate.
Accurately assess the proper amount for family allowances and make distributions in a timely manner.
Know exactly what to do when the decedent has property in more than one state.


	Agenda
	GETTING STARTED: INITIATING THE PROBATE PROCESS Barry K. Jones, 9:00 - 10:45 Determining the Existence or Nonexistence of a Will Interviewing and Determining the Personal Representative Duties of the Personal Representative Evaluating the Estate to Minimize Costs and Expenses - The High Cost of Dying Locating, Collecting and Taking Inventory of the Decedent's Assets - Probate vs. Nonprobate Determining Which Types of Administration are Right for You - Informal or Formal Elections and Filings - Getting Deadlines for the Client Handling Claims Against the Estate Using Renunciation and Disclaimers as a Post-Mortem Planning Device Forms to be Familiar With Understanding Basic Tax Issues and Concerns in Probate THE SPOUSE'S RIGHTS AND FAMILY MAINTENANCE CONCERNS Barry K. Jones, 11:00 - 12:00 Effect of Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements The Surviving Spouse's Elective Share Homestead and Exempt Property - What is Legally Your Client's, Regardless of Value What are the Family Allowances That Can Be Taken CLOSING THE ESTATE Pamela L. Hancock, 1:00 - 2:15 Timing and Methods of Distributions Transfer of Probate and Nonprobate Assets Distributions to Minors and Trusts Preparing a Final Accounting vs. Distributed Statements Petition for Complete Settlement Obtaining Discharge of the Personal Representative ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROBATE PRACTICE Pamela L. Hancock, 2:30 - 3:30 Identifying the Client Avoiding Conflicts of Interest Distinguishing Privileged and Non-Privileged Communication Keeping the Client Informed Establishing Attorney's Fees - Engagement Letters and Local Rules ROADBLOCKS IN PROBATE: HOW TO DEAL WITH COMMON CHALLENGES Pamela L. Hancock and Barry K. Jones, 3:30 - 4:30 What to Do When the Decedent Has Property in More Than One State - Multiple Domiciles Dealing With Insolvent Estates Intestate Administration Lost/Withheld Wills Gifts Made By or on Behalf of Someone Who Shortly Thereafter Dies


	Audience
	This basic level seminar will greatly benefit attorneys and paralegals with limited or no experience in probate practice or who are looking for a refresher on key probate and estate administration topics.