I. Introduction
to the Practice of Estate Planning
A. Discussion
on why so many people die without wills.
B.
Focus on how lawyers can arouse public interest in estate planning.
C.
Meeting the public need for estate planning services and inspiring
public confidence.
D.
Developing a thriving estate planning practice.
II. What Do
Most Estate Planning Clients Need and Why?
A. The great
variety of available estate planning tools, with emphasis on
which one(s) will best meet the needs of the majority of clients
who are likely to seek estate planning advice.
B.
The basics of Colorado and Federal estate tax law.
C.
The seven deadly estate planning questions clients always ask,
and how to answer them.
III. The Great
Living Trust Scam
A. The merits
and pitfalls of using living trusts as an estate planning tool
for the average Colorado resident.
IV. The Colorado
Probate System
A. How the
Colorado probate system works, and what its' major features
are.
B.
How to answer your client's probate questions.
V. Educating
the Client
A. Explaining
and communicating the ins and outs of legal documents.
B.
Enabling client confidence.
VI. Related
Legal Services
A. Living
Wills, Organ Donor Cards, Power of Attorney, when and why to
use them.
B.
Controversial cases, background, statutory and suggested provisions
and discussions of DNR orders.
VII. Brush
Up on Your Drafting Skills
A. A refresher
on your estate planning vocabulary and drafting skills.
B.
Common drafting mistake and pitfalls.
C.
Discussion as to the meaning of certain terms and phrases, and
the advisability and method of their use.
VIII. Estate
Planning Lore
A. Unusual
bequests, wills of famous people, burial rites, cremation, scattering
of ashes, memorial service traditions throughout the world.
B.
Interesting statutes, ordinances and rules.
C.
The Rocky Mountain Memorial Society and other non-profit or
for profit services.
D.
Interesting anecdotes, web sites, books and newspaper articles
relevant to estate planning issues.
