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

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

9:05 – 9:20 a.m.
When Probate Gets Complicated: Recognizing the Red Flags
Not every probate follows a predictable path. This short overview will set the stage for today’s discussion topics.
– Joshua C. Hillger

9:20 – 10:20 a.m.
When the Estate Includes a Business: Probate Challenges with Closely Held Companies
What happens when a decedent leaves behind a business? Explore the unique challenges of administering estates with closely held business interests, including valuation, management and control, succession planning, and competing interests among beneficiaries.
– Susan J. Markey & Matthew J. Shea
– Joshua C. Hillger (moderator)

10:20 – 10:30 a.m.
BREAK

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Funding Formulas and Trust Strategies: When the Numbers Get Complicated
Trust funding decisions can have significant tax and distribution consequences. Examine common funding formulas, the challenges of allocating assets among trusts, and strategies for addressing complications and avoiding costly mistakes.
– Andrew T. Howard

11:15 – 11:20 a.m.
BREAK

11:20 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
When the Estate Can’t Pay: Insolvency and Creditor Claims in Probate
What happens when an estate has more debts than assets? Learn how to evaluate and prioritize creditor claims, protect estate assets, and avoid common pitfalls that can expose personal representatives to liability.
– Spencer R. Riegelman

12:05 – 12:20 p.m.
Questions & Answers

12:20 – 1:00 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
When Beneficiaries Behave Badly: Managing Conflict in Probate
Uncooperative, demanding, or feuding beneficiaries can derail even the most straightforward estate administration. Get practical strategies for managing expectations and handling disputes while keeping the probate process moving forward.
– Annali Cler & Denise S. Rahne

1:45 – 1:50 p.m.
BREAK

1:50 – 2:50 p.m.
Probate Across Borders: Handling Estates with Foreign Ties
Foreign beneficiaries, overseas assets, and international connections can introduce unexpected complications into estate administration. Explore the many issues that arise when a probate crosses international borders.
– Jennifer A. Gumbel

2:50 – 3:00 p.m.
BREAK

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ethical Minefields in Probate: Recognizing and Resolving Difficult Issues
1.0 ethics credit applied for
Probate practice presents unique ethical challenges, particularly when family conflicts, competing interests, and questions about representation arise. Examine common ethical dilemmas that arise when representing clients in probate proceedings.
– Aram V. Desteian

4:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Questions & Answers

LIVE IN-PERSON
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

ONLINE REPLAYS
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Monday, December 14, 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 CLE credits, including 1.0 ethics credit. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.