Do you have a solid understanding of proper procedures surrounding estate administration? Do you feel confident that you can overcome the wide array of challenges you may face while working with each estate's unique requirements? Gain a comprehensive understanding of the estate planning process with this invaluable instruction so you can easily organize and manage your responsibilities. Order today!

1. Foundations of Estate Administration Defined
2. Preparing to Begin the Administration Process
3. Considerations for Collecting the Assets, Preparing the Inventory and Handling Claims Against the Estate
4. Being Thorough to Close the Estate Without a Hitch
5. Understanding Tax Procedures to Avoid Problems Later
6. Ethical Challenges in Estate Administration
7. Common Issues To Be Prepared for in Litigation and Probate

1. FOUNDATIONS OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION DEFINED
   8:30 - 9:15, Rebecca J. Denison
   1. Identifying Probate and Non-Probate Assets
   2. Understanding the Various Forms of Administration
   3. Considerations for the Small Estate
   4. Knowing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Informal Administration and Complying With the Procedures
2. PREPARING TO BEGIN THE ADMINISTRATION PROCESS
   9:15 - 10:15, Rebecca J. Denison
   1. Understanding the Laws of Intestacy and How They Affect the Estate
   2. Knowing What to Get Out of the Client Interview
   3. Determining the Survivors' Immediate Needs
   4. Examining the Safe Deposit Box: Identifying Important Documents
   5. Locating the Will and Knowing What to Do Next
   6. Considerations in Appointing and Counseling the Personal Representative
   7. Practical Tips for Obtaining Information Concerning Assets
   8. Renunciations and Election of Statutory Share
   9. Using Disclaimers Correctly
   10. Notice Requirements
3. CONSIDERATIONS FOR COLLECTING THE ASSETS, PREPARING THE INVENTORY AND HANDLING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE
   10:30 - 11:15, Robert E. Fahr Jr.
   1. Practical Procedures for Opening Estate Accounts
   2. Obtaining Tax Identification Number and Title to Assets
   3. Canceling Utilities and Credit Cards
   4. Best Strategies for Preparing the Inventory
   5. Priority of Concern: Following the Chain of Command in Allowances, Claims and Taxes
4. BEING THOROUGH TO CLOSE THE ESTATE WITHOUT A HITCH
   11:15 - 12:00, Robert E. Fahr Jr.
   1. Alternative Methods: Knowing Your Options
   2. Timing of Distributions: How Long Do Beneficiaries Have to Wait Until They Get Their Money?
   3. Steps Involved in Transferring Jointly-Held Assets
   4. Transferring Other Probate and Non-Probate Assets
   5. Considerations for Handling Distributions to Minors and Trusts
   6. Ensuring Thorough Accounting and Settlement of the Estate
   7. Compensation and Discharge of the Personal Representative
5. UNDERSTANDING TAX PROCEDURES TO AVOID PROBLEMS LATER
   1:00 - 2:30, Melanie L. Grayson
   1. Overview of Tax Compliance and Post-Mortem Planning: What You Need to Know
   2. What You Need to Know to Prepare the Decedent's Final Income Tax Return
   3. Filing Requirements for Federal and State Estate Tax Returns
   4. How the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Affects Your Clients
   5. Handling Distribution to Minors and Trusts
   6. Accurate and Inclusive Valuation of Assets
   7. Determining Alternatives for the Surviving Spouse: Disclaimers, Rights and Options
6. ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
   2:45 - 3:45, Bryan J. Reis
   1. Determining Who the Client Is
   2. Representing an Estate: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
   3. Informing the Client of the Status of the Estate
   4. Filing Claims: Why it is Imperative to Meet the Deadlines
7. COMMON ISSUES TO BE PREPARED FOR IN LITIGATION AND PROBATE
   3:45 - 4:40, Bryan J. Reis
   1. Title and Discovery of Assets
   2. Contested Claims and Contingent Liabilities
   3. Marital Agreement Concerns
   4. Contested Wills and Alternatives: Is it Valid to Disagree?

REBECCA J. DENISON is a partner in the Little Rock firm of Almand, Denison & Orsi, P.L.L.C., where she practices in the areas of family law, guardianships and probate law, as well as wills, criminal law and mental health. She also is licensed to practice psychology in Arkansas. Ms. Denison has spoken for various professional groups on her areas of practice. She earned her B.A. degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, her J.D. degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and her M.Ed. degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Ms. Denison is a member of the Pulaski County, Arkansas and American (member, Family Law Section) bar associations, and the Arkansas Association of Psychological Examiners, the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers, the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Masters in Psychology.

ROBERT E. FAHR JR. is a partner in the Davidson Law Firm in Little Rock. His primary areas of practice include intellectual property, estate planning, probate and business law. Mr. Fahr is a Registered Patent Attorney. He previously served as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Mr. Fahr earned his B.S. degree from Memphis State University, his M.S. degree from Southern Methodist University and his J.D. degree from UALR William H. Bowen School of Law. He is a member of the Arkansas and American bar associations. Mr. Fahr also is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association.

MELANIE L. GRAYSON is a partner in the Arkansas law firm of Grayson & Grayson, P.A., where she practices in the areas of nursing home litigation, probate, estate planning and tax. She previously has spoken for various professional groups on estate planning techniques. Ms. Grayson has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, teaching communications, regulations and media law. She earned her B.A. degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and her J.D. degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law. Ms. Grayson is a member of the Arkansas and American bar associations, and the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association and VOCALS.

BRYAN J. REIS is the managing member of The Farrar Firm in Arkansas. Mr. Reis has been an attorney for more than 28 years and practices in the areas of will, trust, and probate litigation and business law including litigation, business formation and advisement. He earned his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Arkansas. Mr. Reis is a past president of the Garland County Bar Association, and a member of the American and Arkansas bar associations.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com