Top 10 Trust Mistakes

Planning and Drafting Errors You Do Not Want to Make

Unintended transfers, unfavorable tax treatment, exposure to creditors - trust planning and drafting mistakes can result in any number of disastrous consequences. In this program, we've rounded up the top ten errors lawyers make when setting up a trust so you know exactly what to avoid. Prevent and rectify drafting mistakes before it's too late - register today!

• Verify testator capacity to stave off estate planning challenges.
• Avoid trust structure choices that are less than ideal.
• Ensure trusts do not interfere with beneficiaries' eligibility for government benefits.
• Look at problematic distribution provisions and ways to fix them.
• Give trustees enough power to do what they need to, yet with limits to check abuse.
• Prevent mistakes that can lead to bigger-than-expected tax bills for beneficiaries.
• Anticipate common pitfalls in trust administration and how to avoid them.

Agenda

All times are shown in Eastern time.

1. Unverified Testator Capacity, Undue Influence
   10:00 - 10:30, Karl D. Warden
2. Choice of Trust Structure Mistakes
   10:30 - 11:00, Vanessa M. Terzian
3. Trying to Make One Instrument Fulfill all Disparate Client Goals
   11:00 - 11:30, Uzzell S. Branson IV
4. Jurisdiction, Situs, Choice of Law Issues
   11:45 - 12:15, Vanessa M. Terzian
5. Overlooking Beneficiaries' Benefits Eligibility Requirements
   12:15 - 12:45, Karl D. Warden
6. Problematic Distribution Provisions
   12:45 - 1:15, Karl D. Warden
7. Giving Trustee(s) too Much or too Little Power
   1:45 - 2:15, Robert E. Ward
8. Tax Planning Mistakes
   2:15 - 2:45, Robert E. Ward
9. Poor Execution and Administration
   2:45 - 3:15, Uzzell S. Branson IV
10. Modification/Termination Errors
    3:30 - 4:00, Ben Schwefel
11. Legal Ethics of Trusts Practice
    4:00 - 5:00, Ben Schwefel
    1. Who is the Client?
    2. Fee Agreements and Client Trust Accounts
    3. Guarding Confidentiality
    4. Family of the Client: Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Issues