What Paralegals Need to Know About Wills and Trusts

Agenda / Content Covered

1. Drafting Wills: What Paralegals Need to Know
   11:00 — 11:45, Eric Ladley
   1. Standard Provisions to Include in a Simple Will
   2. Methods of Designating Fiduciaries
   3. Disinheritance and No Contest Clauses
   4. Protective Clauses for Minors
   5. Power of Attorney and Advance Directives
   6. Developing a Document Preparation System
2. Drafting The Trust
   11:45 — 12:30, Eric Ladley
   1. Common Elements in Trust Agreements
   2. Sample Clauses and Provisions Found in Trusts
   3. Trust Forms
   4. Amendments to Trust Agreements
   5. Practical Tips for Drafting a Trust Agreement
3. Filing Tax Returns for Wills and Trusts
   12:45 — 1:30, Eric Ladley
   1. Overview of Common Tax Considerations
   2. When to File a Trust/Estate Income Tax Form
   3. Tax Status of Common Types of Trusts
   4. Drafting Tips for Required State and Federal Tax Returns
4. Accounting Practices for Wills and Trusts
   1:30 — 2:15, Eric Ladley
   1. Understanding Foundational Accounting Principles
      1. Formal vs. Informal
      2. Combined vs. Short
      3. Differences Between First, Intermediate, Annual and Final Accounting
   2. Fiduciary Accounting Rules vs. Tax Accounting Rules
   3. Red Flags to Watch for During Estate and Trust Accounting

Accreditation Details:

ERIC LADLEY, CELA, is an attorney with Montco Elder Law, LLP where he focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning, long-term care planning, estate administration, and guardianships. He is certified as an elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. Mr. Ladley also is accredited by the Veterans Administration to represent veterans and can prepare, present and prosecute claims before the department. He is a member of Montgomery County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys and Lycoming Law Association. Mr. Ladley earned his B.A. degree from George Washington University and his J.D. degree from Penn State Dickinson School of Law.