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

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. FOUNDATIONS OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION DEFINED
   8:30 - 9:30, Cary D. Jones
   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
   9:30 - 10:40, Cary D. Jones
   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
   10:55 - 12:00, Cary D. Jones
   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. Medicare, Insurance Claims and Public Assistance: Understanding the Paperwork Involved
   6. Priority of Concern: Following the Chain of Command in Allowances, Claims and Taxes
4. BEING THOROUGH TO CLOSE THE ESTATE WITHOUT A HITCH
   1:00 - 1:55, Erik V. Scully
   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
   1:55 - 2:55, Erik V. Scully
   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
   3:10 - 4:10, Cary D. Jones
   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
   4:10 - 4:40, Erik V. Scully
   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?

CARY D. JONES is a partner in the law firm of Marriner, Jones & Fitch, where he practices in the areas of estates, wills, probate, elder law, guardianship, adoption law, general practice and litigation. He has lectured at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute on his areas of practice. Mr. Jones earned his B.A. degree from Washington & Jefferson College and his J.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Washington County Bar Association (former president). Mr. Jones is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, the U.S. District Court for Western District of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Third Circuit.

ERIK V. SCULLY, Esq., CPA, is a partner in the law firm of Scully & Scully, L.L.P., with offices in Pittsburgh and Wexford, Pennsylvania. His practice is concentrated in the areas of taxation, estate planning, estate administration, probate law and representing clients in various business matters. Mr. Scully's practice has a particular emphasis in representing clients during tax controversies and tax litigation at the federal, state and local levels. He is a frequent lecturer to professional groups and has written numerous articles on legal, accounting, and tax issues affecting individuals and businesses. Mr. Scully earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and his law degree from St. Louis University. He is listed in Who's Who in American Law and is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants; chairman, Pennsylvania State Ethics Committee (appointed to 2005-2007 term); member, Executive Committee (Southwestern Chapter 2005-2006); Pennsylvania State Ethics Committee (elected to 2004-2007 term); the Speakers Bureau (chairman, Southwestern Chapter 1999-2004); the Committee on the Cooperation with the Bar (Southwestern Chapter); the Allegheny County Bar Association (member, Taxation Section); and the American Association of Attorney - Certified Public Accountants.

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

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Phone: 866-240-1890

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