Trusts and Estates Law Section Fall 2021 Meeting

Program Topics

First Comes Love & Marriage, then Death & Divorce

This program will review the rights of a surviving spouse (both statutory and commonly created contractual rights) that impact the administration of an estate and often result in litigation.

Trust Assets in Divorce: Fair Game or Off Limits?

Speakers will examine what types of trusts, trust provisions, trust history and trust administration make trusts more vulnerable to attack in divorce. 

Divorce and Children with Special Needs 

This session, designed to provide attendees with a Diversity credit, will focus on improving attorneys’ understanding of the concerns, anxieties and issues faced by families who have children with disabilities when their marriages are dissolving and the family is considering the future decision-making, supports, independence and ongoing needs of their children.  

Elder Financial Exploitation through Predatory Marriages

A case study focused on Matter of Berk, 60 Misc.3d 1207(A). Matter of Berk involved a predatory marriage to a 100-year-old man by his 47-year-old live in caregiver in order to obtain inheritance rights. 

A View from the Bench: The Promotion of Fairness, Justice and Morality

A discussion with Surrogate’s from around the state on how to address conflicts and fairness when matrimonial and family law issues make their way into Surrogate’s Court. 

Speakers

Section Chair: Jennifer F. Hillman, Esq., Rivkin Radler LLP

Program Chair: Lois Bladykas, Esq., Ruskin Moscou & Faltischek, P.C.

Brian P. Corrigan, Esq., Farrell Fritz, PC

Lisa R. Schoenfeld, Esq., Schlissel Ostrow Karabatos PLLC

Sharon L. Klein, Esq., Wilmington Trust, N.A.

Jonathan W. Wolfe, Esq., Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C.

Program Chair: Tara Anne Pleat, Esq., Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC

Edward V. Wilcenski, Esq., Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC

Lauren L. Hunt, Esq., Lauren L. Hunt, Esq., PLLC

John G. Farinacci, Esq., Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.

Matthew R. Coseo, Esq.,, Saratoga County Surrogate’s Court

Jennifer Powers Rutkey, Esq., Gordon, Tepper & DeCoursey, LLP

Hon. Stephen W. Cass, Chautauqua County Surrogate's Court

Hon. Richard F. Kupferman, Saratoga County Surrogate's Court

Hon. Sara W. McGinty, Ulster County Surrogate's Court

Hon. Margaret C. Reilly, Nassau County Surrogate's Court