The Magical, Mystical, Guide to the Galaxy of Estate Planning

The 58th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning is scheduled to take place from January 9th to the 11th in Orlando, Florida. This highly anticipated event, organized by the University of Miami School of Law, attracts a diverse audience of attorneys, accountants, financial planners, asset managers, and insurance agents, among others. With its extensive range of lectures and materials, Heckerling offers valuable insights on various topics. Admittedly, the abundance of information presented can sometimes feel overwhelming, akin to drinking from a fire hose. Nevertheless, the lectures are masterfully delivered, informative, and dare I say, even enjoyable, despite the occasional use of somewhat corny humor in the talk titles.

Here is a list of the topics that will be discussed:

• Estate Planning for Modest Estates: Practical Tools every Estate Planner should Know.
• Recent Developments in Estate Planning.
• Practical Partnership Panaceas for Common Client Circumstances.
• Modern Estate Administration.
• Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts – Friend or Foe?
• How Perpetual Must my Conservation Easement Be?
• Is ESG Investment Sustainable for Trustees?
• The New World of Social Welfare Philanthropy.
• Current Issues in Estate and Gift Tax Audits and Litigation.
• The Estate Planner’s Guide to the Galaxy: Navigating the Brave New World of Cyber Security, Privacy and Ethics.
• Drafting and Administering Flexible GRATS.
• That Life Insurance Policy May be Worth More (or Less) than you think.
• 50 ways to leave your legacy – Social Welfare Activity, Program Related Investments and Alternatives to Grantmaking.
• Slicing and Dicing Fiduciary Duties and Responsibilities Through Directed Trusts.
• Floating Cars – Moving Staircases: Understanding the Mystical Rules of Chapter 14 in the Muggle World.
• Simplifying the Complex: Demystifying Directed Trusts, Family Offices and Private Trust Companies.
• The Nitty-Gritty of Foreign Trust Taxation.
• A Magical Mystery Tour Through the Chapter 14 Labyrinth.
• Ethical and Practical Challenges in Dealing with Diverse Clients.
• SECURE is not a Toddler Any More.

The Heckerling Institute presents an opportunity for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the field of estate planning to deepen their understanding and mastery of key topics. From exploring practical tools in estate planning for modest estates, understanding the intricacies of foreign trust taxation, to delving into the socially-relevant domain of social welfare philanthropy, the breadth and depth of topics promise a wealth of knowledge. As the conference navigates the complex intersection of law, finance, and society, Heckerling continues to be a vital platform for discourse, learning, and advancement in estate planning.