Agenda / Content Covered

All times are shown in Eastern time.

1. Client Interviews and Follow-up
   1:00 - 1:30, Thomas J. Murphy and A. Michelle Poss
   1. Initial Call, Appointment, Preparing the Client for the Initial Meeting with Attorney
   2. Counseling Grieving Clients and Helping Them Adapt to their New Situation
   3. Answering the Phone and Prioritizing Client Concerns
   4. The Limits on Answering Clients' Questions
   5. Keeping Clients on Track with Hearing, Meeting Schedules, Status of the Case
   6. Getting All the Documents Signed
2. Requesting Asset Records and Other Vital Documents
   1:30 - 2:00, Thomas J. Murphy and A. Michelle Poss
   1. Working with Banks to Help Executors
   2. Communicating with Account Custodians (Retirement, Investment, etc.)
   3. Accessing, Paying and Closing Accounts
   4. Follow up on Government Benefits (Social Security, Veterans, etc.)
   5. Contacting Life Insurance Carriers
   6. Obtaining Valuations
   7. Gathering Information for the Tax Returns
   8. Working with Accountants
3. Initial Notices and Creditor Communication
   2:00 - 2:30, Thomas J. Murphy and A. Michelle Poss
   1. Making Sure the Notices are Published
   2. Notifying Creditors of the Estate's Intention Not to Pay a Bill
   3. Negotiating Compromise and Arranging Payment
4. Essential Court Communications
   2:45 - 3:15, Thomas J. Murphy and A. Michelle Poss
   1. Drafting Pleadings for Probate Administration
   2. Scheduling Hearings/Conferences
   3. Organize Paperwork and Exhibits for Hearings
   4. Coordinating Service of Documents
5. Proposed Distributions, Obtaining Consent
   3:15 - 3:45, Thomas J. Murphy and A. Michelle Poss
   1. Preparation of Deeds and Affidavits of Survivorship for Real Estate
   2. Working with Stock Transfer Agents
   3. Practical Tips for Obtaining Receipt and Waiver Forms When Distributions are Made
   4. Tips for Effective Communication with Beneficiaries
6. Communicating with the Attorney
   3:45 - 4:15, Thomas J. Murphy and A. Michelle Poss
   1. Sharing Information Efficiently
   2. Apprising Attorney of Changes in the Case
   3. What Does the Attorney Need to Review to Prevent UPL?
   4. Meeting Notes and Routine Correspondence

Accreditation Details:

THOMAS J. MURPHY is an attorney located in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix. His practice emphasizes estate planning, elder law (including nursing home issues), all probate matters (including contested matters and guardianships), and tax controversies. Mr. Murphy has regularly appeared before the Arizona Court of Appeals, litigating many of the cutting-edge appellate cases in probate law; and has successfully litigated cases in the U.S. Tax Court, the Arizona Tax Court, and the Arizona Board of Tax Appeals. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the State Bar of Arizona (Tax Law, Probate and Trust Law, Mental Health, and Elder Law sections), and the Arizona Medicaid Planning Council. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Phoenix Tax Workshop and the Editorial Board of NAELA News. Mr. Murphy graduated from Tufts University, with honors, and he earned his J.D. degree from Suffolk University Law School.

A. MICHELLE POSS is a sole practitioner in Nashville. She represents clients in the practice areas of elder law, disability, and probate, including estate administrations, conservatorships and guardianships; trust administrations; Social Security; and VA claims. Ms. Poss is a VA accredited attorney and is a Rule 31 general civil mediator. She is licensed to practice in all Tennessee courts and is admitted to the Tennessee Supreme Court, and the U.S. federal courts. Ms. Poss is an active member of the Nashville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, and the Conservatorship Association of Tennessee. She currently serves as president of the Conservatorship Association of Tennessee, co-chair of the NBA Probate Committee, previous board member of CASA, and the St. Thomas Foundation Murfree Circle. Ms. Poss earned her B.S. degree from the Middle Tennessee State University and her J.D. degree from Nashville School of Law.