Trusts & Estates Law Section Fall 2020 Meeting – DAY ONE

Program Topics and Speakers:

Community Property: What Happens When Your Clients Acquire Assets in Community Property Jurisdictions

(1.0 Professional Practice)

Several states use the community property system to characterize assets owned during marriage. Many Non-U.S. countries also have similar property right concepts. This presentation will review the basics of community property, and address estate planning and administration challenges and opportunities that can arise.

John R. Strohmeyer, Esq., Strohmeyer Law PLLC, Houston, TX

Toni Ann Kruse, Esq., McDermott Will & Emery LLP, New York City

Planning for Retirement Assets under the SECURE Act               

(1.0 Professional Practice)

On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94, which includes the SECURE Act. The Act makes far-reaching changes to the rules governing retirement plans and IRAs, including significant changes to the required minimum distribution rules and a severe curtailment of the availability of stretch IRAs. This session will discuss the changes and potential planning techniques.

Professor David A. Pratt, Esq., Albany Law School, Albany

Patricia J. Shevy, Esq., The Shevy Law Firm, LLC, Albany

Generation-Skipping Trust Planning Opportunities in 2020

(1.0 Professional Practice)

Through sample case studies, the GST rules and planning opportunities will be discussed with a focus on GST planning for taxpayers with modest assets.  

Austin W. Bramwell, Esq., Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP, New York City

Sean M. Imfeld, Esq., Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP, New York City

It's My First Rodeo – Initial Meetings with Clients in Probate and Trust Proceedings

(1.0 Skills)

Through mock meetings between attorneys and potential clients, the presenters will discuss interesting issues in probate and trust proceedings, including lost wills, no-contest clauses, fee shifting, the use of expert witness testimony, and many more.

Gary B. Freidman, Esq., Greenfield Stein & Senior, LLP, New York City

Eric W. Penzer, Esq., Farrell Fritz, P.C., Uniondale