Product Description

Advising a client through the estate administration process requires a solid understanding of probate, tax, and trust laws, as well as empathy, attention-to-detail, and responsiveness. Sometimes the burden of the estate administration process can be eased with some strategic planning before death. Even the most thorough estate plans can, however, still have surprises that require an unanticipated probate proceeding.

When helping clients through the legal responsibilities that follow a loved one’s death, estate planning attorneys are issue-spotting, advocating, and explaining. Internal and external checklists are essential to mitigate risk, to meet the demands of an estate administration practice, and to ensure the client’s experience exceeds expectations. Using checklists and samples, this seminar provides practical advice to help estate planning attorneys navigate the estate administration process with the client experience in mind. 

Agenda & Materials

• Preparing for the First Meeting

  – Internal Checklists: Presentation documents; Agenda
  – External Checklists: Engagement letter; Preliminary information request form

• Mapping the Estate

  – Internal Checklists: Information gathering; Internal tracking, assignment of tasks and calendaring; Issue-spotting
  – External Checklists: Information gathering; Detailed estate administration memo and meeting(s)

• Keeping Updated

  – Internal Checklists: Estate status reviews; Ongoing tracking probate, creditors, tax compliance, and implementation
  – External Checklists: Client-friendly status checklist; Managing client involvement; Assisting client with implementation; Meetings and communications

• Crossing the Finish Line

  – Internal Checklists: Closing memo
  – External Checklists: Explanatory memo and meeting(s); Ongoing advice

Special Program Materials:

• Massachusetts Probate Manual

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Faculty