Program Details
2025-01-30 14:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2025-01-30 14:00:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm ESTThis session explores the three primary trust vehicles used to preserve government benefits eligibility: first-party special needs trusts, third-party supplemental needs trusts, and income-only trusts. Attendees will learn about Medicaid qualification requirements, exempt versus non-exempt assets, the five-year look-back rule, and which states permit income-only trust planning.
Mary Akkerman 2:20 pm - 2:40 pm ESTThis session examines the critical tax considerations when structuring trusts to preserve government benefits, including grantor trust treatment and income tax flow-through provisions. Particular emphasis is placed on the significant advantages of stepped-up basis at death versus carryover basis for lifetime transfers, and how proper trust structuring can maximize tax benefits for beneficiaries.
Mary Akkerman 2:40 pm - 3:00 pm ESTThis session provides practical guidance on creating and managing income-only trusts, funeral trusts, and special needs trusts across different state jurisdictions. Attendees will learn essential administrative requirements including bank account setup, income assignment procedures, permissible distributions, and the importance of submitting trust documents to state agencies for pre-approval.
Mary Akkerman 3:00 pm - 3:10 pm ESTA short intermission allowing attendees to refresh before the final session. Use this time to review materials and prepare questions for the ethics discussion.
Mary Akkerman 3:10 pm - 4:10 pm ESTThis comprehensive session addresses the unique ethical challenges attorneys face in government benefits planning, including client identification when multiple family members are involved, confidentiality obligations, and potential conflicts of interest with spousal representation. Attendees will also explore capacity assessment issues, ADA compliance requirements, self-dealing prohibitions, and communication best practices to avoid common ethical complaints.
Mary AkkermanMary practices in estate planning, including dynasty trusts, domestic asset protection trusts, estate and trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, business and tax planning, estate and gift tax planning, tax appeals, and related litigation. She is skilled at establishing public and private trust companies in South Dakota and regularly works with U.S. and international families and advisors.
Mary practices in estate planning, including dynasty trusts, domestic asset protection trusts, estate and trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, business and tax planning, estate and gift tax planning, tax appeals, and related litigation. She is skilled at establishing public and private trust companies in South Dakota and regularly works with U.S. and international families and advisors.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
