Bringing an estate smoothly through probate is one of the best ways to help families deal with the death of a loved one. Although some estates are contentious and nasty, most of them can be efficiently and effectively handled so families can tie up legal loose ends and gain a sense of closure. Do you know the proper procedural steps for getting an estate through probate? Your role is vital – and knowing what to do can be easy with our authoritative reference materials.

From the convenience of your desk, you can gain all the tips and pointers you need to help get an estate through probate in a smooth and timely fashion. You'll have - at your fingertips - useful techniques for filing an estate in probate court, building solid working relationships with executors or administrators, preparing and filing the inventory and helping to administer the estate. You'll also know how to determine immediate spousal support, deal with estates where there isn't a will, and properly close the estate. Enhance your effectiveness when encountering common probate challenges – order these materials today!

1. How to File an Estate in Probate Court
2. Working With Executors and Administrators
3. How to Prepare and File the Inventory
4. Administration of the Estate
5. Ethical Perils in the Probate Process
6. Dealing With Spouse's Elective Shares
7. Understanding the Laws of Intestacy
8. Closing the Estate

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1. HOW TO FILE AN ESTATE IN PROBATE COURT
   9:00 - 9:45, Suzanne E. Katt
   1. Distinctions Between the Modest and Larger Estate
   2. The Estate Timetable and What Needs to Be Done
   3. Steps for Proving the Will
   4. Steps for Challenging the Will
2. WORKING WITH EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS
   9:45 - 10:45, David D. Deeter
   1. Duties of Executors or Administrators During the Probate Process
   2. Paralegal Contact With Executors or Administrators
   3. How Misconduct and/or Removal of Executors or Administrators is Handled
   4. Compensation
   5. Special Administration
   6. Duties of the Attorney for the Executor - Who is the Client?
3. HOW TO PREPARE AND FILE THE INVENTORY
   11:00 - 12:15, Suzanne E. Katt
   1. Preparing the Inventory - What Every Paralegal Needs to Know
   2. Statutory Requirements
   3. Notice
   4. Working With the Attorney to Collect, Maintain and Manage Assets
   5. How to Successfully Solve Common Inventory Problems
4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE ESTATE
   1:15 - 2:00, Andrew Sumerford
   1. Dealing With Creditors' Claims
   2. Disclaimers
   3. Assisting With the Estate Cash Management
   4. Insolvency
   5. Preparing Partial Distributions
5. ETHICAL PERILS IN THE PROBATE PROCESS
   2:00 - 2:30, Andrew Sumerford
   1. Distinguishing Between Privileged and Non-Privileged Communications
   2. When the Client Asks for Legal Advice - Knowing How to Say "No"
   3. Protecting Your Firm From Malpractice Actions - Tools You Can Use to Meet Deadlines
6. DEALING WITH SPOUSE'S ELECTIVE SHARES
   2:45 - 3:20, Ann M. O'Hara
   1. Homestead Allowance
   2. Dower and Curtesy
   3. Spousal Rights and Personalty
   4. Rights of Election
   5. Procedures
7. UNDERSTANDING THE LAWS OF INTESTACY
   3:20 - 3:45, David D. Deeter
8. CLOSING THE ESTATE
   3:45 - 4:30, David D. Deeter
   1. Tips for Assisting With Final Accounting
   2. Preparing the Distribution of the Estate to Beneficiaries
   3. Discharge of the Fiduciary

DAVID D. DEETER is an attorney with the Indianapolis law firm of Dale & Eke, P.C., where he practices in the areas of estate planning and probate. He has lectured to various professionals on estate planning topics. Mr. Deeter earned his B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame, while attending the University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, during his sophomore year. He earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis. Mr. Deeter is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association (Probate and Real Property Section), and the Indianapolis and American bar associations. He is a board member of the Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis, the Notre Dame Club of Indianapolis, and an estate planning and administration specialist certified by the Planning and Administration Specialty Certification Board of the Indiana State Bar Association.

SUZANNE E. KATT is an attorney with the firm of Cremer & Cremer in Indianapolis. She practices primarily in the areas of trust and estate litigation, estate planning and estate administration. Ms. Katt is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association. She is also past chair of the Probate, Trust and Real Property Section and chair of the Section Publications Committee. Ms. Katt is a member of the Indianapolis Estate Planning Council. She is a registered civil mediator and graduated from the Maurer School of Law.

ANDREW SUMERFORD is an attorney with Meils Thompson & Dietz, where he practices in the areas of insurance defense, estate planning, probate, family law, construction law and general civil practice. He earned his B.S. degree, in finance, from Indiana University; and his J.D. degree from Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis.

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