8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

9:05 – 9:50 a.m.
Building Rapport and Getting the Information You Need
Making the most of your initial client meeting is critical. Listening to what clients say…and what they don’t say, sets the tone for your representation. Being cognizant of psychological and emotional aspects of estate planning start at the initial meeting as you discuss dual/multi-party representation; retainer agreements, engagement letters and not-retained letters; probate assets vs. non-probate assets; wills vs. trusts; considerations when working with cognitively impaired clients; and incapacity issues.
– Jody A. Cohen Press, Course Chair

9:50 – 10:50 a.m.
Effective Will and Trust Drafting for the Small Estate
Get a comprehensive overview of will and trust formalities and legalities, including:

• Drafting testamentary trusts
• Choosing corporate vs. individual fiduciaries
• Consideration of pot trusts vs. separate share trusts
• Planning for tangible personal property and digital assets
• Drafting a codicil vs. a new will
• Drafting for minors and incapacitated beneficiaries
• When a living trust is indicated: accounting for real estate in multiple states

– Philip J. Ruce

10:50 – 11:00 a.m.
BREAK

11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Beneficial Beneficiary Designation Drafting for the Small Estate
It is critical to regularly review and update beneficiary designations. This session will include a discussion of the following:

• The Minnesota Multiparty Accounts Act
• Revocation of beneficiary designation by marriage dissolution (Minn. Stat. § 524.2-804, Sveen v. Melin, and In the matter of the Estate of Mathew Joseph Tomczik)
• Rights of survivorship (Minn. Stat. § 524.6-204 and Estate of Patrick W. Butler)

– Thomas M. Johnston

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Distributions from Retirement Accounts and Other Tax Issues for the Small Estate
Distributions from retirement accounts can be complex and have numerous tax issues. This session will help you:

• Gain a practical understanding of the complex tax implications surrounding distributions from retirement accounts
• Understand key tax considerations
• Learn planning opportunities
• Identify potential pitfalls associated with distributions

– James T. McNary

12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Transfer on Death Deeds and Other Methods of Transferring Real Estate for the Small Estate
Real estate is typically the most valuable asset owned by individuals. Ownership of real estate can take many forms and impacts specific duties and rights. This session will explore planning strategies for transferring real estate, including:

• Transfer on death deeds
• Life estates
• Revocable trusts
• Wills

– Callyn T. Bedker

12:30 – 1:05 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)

1:05 – 1:50 p.m.
Understanding Advanced Directives for Health Care and End of Life Planning
This session will address challenges in addressing health care and end of life decisions. Topics will include:

• Comparing and contrasting health care directives, DNR/DNI forms, POLST’s, and the Caregiver Act
• Helping clients overcome barriers to completing their directives

– Mary Frances M. Price

1:50 – 2:35 p.m.
Understanding the Available Powers of Attorney: “A-N” and Beyond
Powers of Attorney are a critical estate planning tool. But it’s important to understand how to use them. This session will explore:

• The powers and limitations of Attorneys-in-Fact
• The importance of selecting the right people for the job
• Remedies when things go wrong

– John P. Worrell

2:35 – 2:45 p.m.
BREAK

2:45 – 3:30 p.m.
Integrating Long-Term Care Insurance into a Small Estate Plan
The cost of long-term care keeps rising. Clients need to understand how to protect their assets while ensuring access to necessary care. This session will provide guidance on effectively advising clients and integrating long-term care insurance into small estate plans.
– Jody A. Cohen Press & Elizabeth I. Wrobel

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
5 Things Every Estate Planning Attorney Needs to Know About Medical Assistance Eligibility
Learn five key points to know about Medical Assistance eligibility, including statutory references, applicable law, and estate recovery.
– Martha J. Amdahl

LIVE IN-PERSON
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

ONLINE REPLAYS
Monday, November 9, 2026
Monday, November 23, 2026
Attend online
A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.

$295 MSBA members / $295 paralegals / $345 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

• Season Pass Discount
• New Lawyer Discount

Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.

Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 standard CLE credits. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.