So your client wants you to handle a probate case – do you know where to start? Do you know the proper procedures to use, as well as the law? Get detailed, step-by-step information to confidently and ably navigate the system, and gain the confidence you need to reach a favorable outcome for your client when litigating in probate court. Order today!

1. Taking the First Step: Filing an Estate in Probate Court
2. Understanding the Role of the Personal Representative in Probate
3. Managing the Inventory
4. Administering the Estate Effectively
5. Maintaining an Ethical Balance in Probate Practice
6. Determining if Spouse's Elective Share is a Reasonable Option
7. Uncovering the Laws of Intestacy and How They May Apply
8. Litigating the Case in Probate Court
9. Putting the Case to Rest: Closing the Estate

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. TAKING THE FIRST STEP: FILING AN ESTATE IN PROBATE COURT
   8:30 - 9:15, William E. Seidler Jr.
   1. Small Estate - What it is and How to File
   2. Regular Estate
   3. The Estate Timetable - What You Need to Do
   4. Proving the Will
   5. Challenging the Will
2. UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN PROBATE
   9:15 - 10:00, Jeffrey T. Palzer
   1. Duties of the Personal Representative
   2. Misconduct and/or Removal
   3. Compensation Guidelines
   4. Special Administration Issues
3. MANAGING THE INVENTORY
   10:15 - 11:00, Jeffrey T. Palzer
   1. Statutory Requirements and How They Affect Your Case
   2. Notice to Creditors, Beneficiaries and State Agencies - What is Required
   3. Collecting, Maintaining and Managing Assets
   4. Inventory Problems
4. ADMINISTERING THE ESTATE EFFECTIVELY
   11:00 - 12:00, Jeffrey T. Palzer
   1. How to Respond to Creditors' Claims
   2. Insolvency
   3. Managing the Estate Cash Responsibly
   4. Disclaimers
   5. Partial Distributions
5. MAINTAINING AN ETHICAL BALANCE IN PROBATE PRACTICE
   1:00 - 2:00, William E. Seidler Jr.
   1. Performing Competent Legal Services
   2. Identifying the Client
   3. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
   4. Distinguishing Between Privileged and Non-Privileged Communication
   5. Establishing Reasonable Attorneys’ Fees
6. DETERMINING IF SPOUSE'S ELECTIVE SHARE IS A REASONABLE OPTION
   2:00 - 2:15, Steven E. Guenzel
   1. Homestead Allowance
   2. How to Determine the Elective Share Estate
   3. What are Spousal Rights and Personalty?
   4. Rights of Election
   5. Step-by-Step Procedure
   6. How to Satisfy the Elective Share
7. UNCOVERING THE LAWS OF INTESTACY AND HOW THEY MAY APPLY
   2:15 - 2:45, Steven E. Guenzel
8. LITIGATING THE CASE IN PROBATE COURT
   3:00 - 3:50, William E. Seidler Jr.
   1. Explanation of Rules of Probate Procedure
   2. Declaratory Judgment
   3. How to Conduct Discovery
   4. What to Do on Appeal
9. PUTTING THE CASE TO REST: CLOSING THE ESTATE
   3:50 - 4:40, Steven E. Guenzel
   1. Final Accounting
   2. Distribution of Estate to Beneficiaries
   3. Discharge of Fiduciary
   4. Tax Returns - What Needs to be Filed and When

STEVEN E. GUENZEL is a member of the Lincoln law office of Johnson Flodman Guenzel & Widger Law Firm, where he practices in the areas of probate, trial practice and utility law. Mr. Guenzel is admitted to practice in Nebraska. He was a adjunct professor of law and legal writing at the University of Nebraska College of Law. Mr. Guenzel is a member of the Lincoln and Nebraska State (House of Delegates, 1987-1991 and 1995-1999) bar associations. He earned his B.S. degree, with high distinction, from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and his J.D. degree from the University of Nebraska.

JEFFREY T. PALZER is an attorney with the Omaha law firm of Kellogg & Palzer, P.C., where he practices in the areas of adoption law, estate planning, probate, trust administration, wills, guardianship, conservatorship, small business law, corporate law, partnership law, contracts, personal injury, discrimination and employment law. He has worked in the areas of estate planning since 1994 with a variety of clients. Mr. Palzer has presented at numerous seminars on estate planning, including the Nebraska Association of Financial Planners, on special needs trusts, and recently for National Business Institute on matters related to elder law. He currently serves on the Estate Planning Committee for the Omaha Archdiocese Committee on Development. Mr. Palzer earned his B.A. degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Creighton University. He is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association.

WILLIAM E. SEIDLER JR. is a shareholder in the Omaha law firm of Seidler & Seidler, P.C. He is the city attorney for the City of Springfield, Nebraska. Mr. Seidler is a member of the Omaha, Nebraska State and American bar associations. He earned his B.A. degree from Drake University and his J.D. degree from Creighton University School of Law.

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