This must-attend program on wills and succession planning provides a thorough introduction to, or refresher on, the basics of this area of law. Experienced practitioners will give pointers on such matters as the initial client interview, tax planning, drafting the will, the reporting letter and other important succession planning matters. All topics will include practice management tips and a review of common areas of contention and negligence claims to help you bulletproof your practice and your clients’ succession plans, as well as provide useful insights that can be applied to your estate litigation practice. Don’t miss this essential review!

This program is offered jointly with the Trusts and Estates Section and the Young Lawyers’ Division.

Focus: Basic principles and strategies of succession planning, including checklists, precedents, review of common errors, and practice management tips.

Highlights:
• Initial interview and other checklists
• Special considerations for elderly clients
• Trusts and tax planning
• Avoiding common drafting errors

Also, sign up for the afternoon companion course to this program, Trust & Estate Litigation: A Primer, and receive a discount on both programs.

  Webcast Available

9:00 am Introductory Remarks

9:05 am The Initial Interview
• Why a checklist?
• Warning signs – capacity, undue influence, and other matters of concern
• Dealing with capacity
• Special considerations for elderly clients – illnesses, radical revisions, and other matters
Mary L. MacGregor, Dickson MacGregor Appell LLP

9:30 am Execution of the Will
• Getting it right
• Use of checklists for execution and reporting
• Review of will provisions and capacity at execution
• Special circumstances (blind testator or one who does not speak english)
• Executing multiple wills
• Executing “international” wills or wills which may be used in other jurisdictions
• Last minute alterations/amendments
• Affidavits of execution
Lorna M. Schoenroth, Aird & Berlis LLP

9:45 am Tax Planning Basic
• Deemed disposition on death and other basic tax concepts
• Beneficiary designations
• Joint assets
• Gifts prior to death
• Charitable donations
Laura E. West, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

10:10 am Tax Planning for More Complex Situations
• Trust tax basics
• Alter ego trusts
• Multiple wills
• Foreign property
• Estate freezes
• When to call in the pros
Hilary E. Laidlaw, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

10:35 am Break

10:50 am Drafting the Will
• Per what? Plain language and the basics of interpreting wills and trusts
• Planning for and around dependants, spouses, and minors
• Using precedents wisely
• Avoiding intestacy
• Common drafting errors and negligence claims areas
Laura M. Tyrrell, Barrister & Solicitor

11:15 am Reporting Letters
• Why do you need them?
• How to do them inexpensively?
• What should be in them?
• When should they be sent?
Jordan M. Atin, Barrister & Solicitor

11:45 am Question period

12:00 pm Program Concludes