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17th Annual

Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference

Galveston Aug 6-7, 2015 Moody Gardens
Conference Concluded
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Related products: Materials

EVENT SPONSORS
Cadence Bank
Frost Wealth Advisors
 
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Overview

The Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference presents current developments and practical tips for estate planners and elder law attorneys, offers essential information for guardians ad litem, and provides a must-have set of materials and resources.
  • NEW: 1-hour presentation on Alternatives to Guardianship, moderated by Hon. Steven M. King; plus an array of guardianship essentials and hot topics—for up to 4.50 hours of Guardianship credit
  • Hear the latest on the VA’s proposed changes to the Improved Pension laws and hear strategies for capitalizing on opportunities before the rules become final
  • Explore the development and key components of elder law and gain a better understanding of the certifications (and criteria) used by various service and care providers
  • Review the latest case law and legislative developments, including an in-depth look at recent decisions affecting Powers of Attorney
  • Analyze select estate planning and probate topics including exempt property set-asides and family allowances in probate, credit shelter trusts, portability and basis adjustment, and much more
  • Get answers to your questions at the popular Ask the Experts panel
  • Earn up to 2.50 hours of legal ethics credit
  • Network with conference faculty and fellow colleagues at the Thursday Evening Reception
This conference is informative and informal—attendees and faculty are encouraged to dress “beach casual” and bring the family to enjoy Moody Gardens on Galveston Island!

 

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Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

  • Day 1 August 6, 2015
  • Day 2 August 7, 2015
  • Time
    Credit
    Subject
    Speaker
  • Thursday Morning, Aug. 6, 2015
    Presiding Officer:
    H. Clyde Farrell, Farrell & Pak PLLC - Austin, TX
  • 8:00 am
    Registration Opens
    Includes continental breakfast.

  • 8:50 am
    Welcoming Remarks

  • 9:00 am
    0.75 hr
    Elder Law Overview
    Trace the development of Elder Law, emerging as the only area of law defined by an age group, and understand its key components.

    Wesley E. Wright, Wright Abshire, Attorneys - Bellaire, TX

  • 9:45 am
    0.50 hr
    The “Senior Industrial Complex”: A Guide to Certified Professionals and What They Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Clients
    An examination of the "aging enterprise" and the various certifications used by service providers and case/care managers, including an understanding of the underlying certification criteria to better determine the value of the credentials to a client's situation.

    Leah Cohen, arrangeCARE - Austin, TX
    Marilyn G. Miller, Attorney at Law - Dripping Springs, TX

  • 10:15 am
    Break

  • 10:30 am
    0.50 hr
    Powers of Attorney: Recent Developments
    A review of new developments affecting Powers of Attorney, including the requirement to sign a power of attorney in a law office if the principal intends to give the agent the authority to sign a home equity loan (Finance Com’n of Texas v. Norwood); and the Agent’s potential liability for breach of fiduciary duty when the principal acts on his own (Vogt v. Warnock; Jordon v. Lyles).

    Patricia F. Sitchler, The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler - La Vernia, TX

  • 11:00 am
    0.75 hr
    0.25 hr ethics
    Powers of Attorney: Best Practices and Provisions
    A discussion of suggested solutions to potential issues when drafting powers of attorney, including avoiding potential exploitation, dealing with financial institutions and title companies, attorney-client privilege when representing the agent named in a power of attorney and other timely issues.

    Moderator:
    Patricia F. Sitchler, The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler - La Vernia, TX
    Panelists:
    Glenn M. Karisch, The Karisch Law Firm, PLLC - Austin, TX
    David P. Stanush, Strasburger & Price, LLP - San Antonio, TX

  • 11:45 am
    Pick Up Lunch
    Included in registration. 

  • Thursday Afternoon, Aug. 6, 2015
    Presiding Officer:
    Anna María Méndez, Cadence Bank - Austin, TX
  • LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
  • 12:05 pm
    0.75 hr
    Legislative Update
    A 2015 Texas estate and trust legislative update including probate, guardianships, trusts, powers of attorney, and related matters.

    Craig Hopper, Hopper Mikeska, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 12:50 pm
    Break

  • 1:05 pm
    0.50 hr
    Exempt Property Set Asides, Allowances in Lieu Thereof, and Family Allowances in Probate
    The use of tools for the protection of a decedent’s spouse, minor children, and adult disabled children.   

    Hon. Guy Herman, Travis County Probate Court #1 - Austin, TX

  • 1:35 pm
    0.50 hr
    Credit Shelter Trusts, Portability and Basis Adjustment
    Review the changes in planning considerations since the enactment of portability legislation and learn when it may be appropriate to use a marital trust, outright bequest to the surviving spouse, or modified credit shelter trust in lieu of a traditional credit shelter trust.

    Webber Barton Roscher, Osborne, Helman, Knebel & Scott, LLP - Austin, TX

  • 2:05 pm
    0.50 hr
    Disclaimers: Old Friend, New Issues
    The how, when, why and why not of disclaimers, with a discussion of new developments and a look at the future. 

    Glenn M. Karisch, The Karisch Law Firm, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 2:35 pm
    Break

  • 2:45 pm
    0.75 hr
    0.25 hr ethics
    Trust Protectors (Trust Advocates)
    A look at the additional layers of advice, direction, and advocacy in trust administration by fiduciaries and possibly by non-fiduciaries, taking into consideration different roles, titles, and statutory changes.

    Renée C. Lovelace, The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C. - Austin, TX
    Glenn M. Karisch, The Karisch Law Firm, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 3:30 pm
    1.00 hr
    0.25 hr ethics
    1.00 hr guardianship
    Alternatives to Guardianship
    A discussion of less restricted alternatives to guardianship, as well as supports and services available to proposed wards.

    Moderator:
    Hon. Steve M. King, Tarrant County Probate Court #1 - Fort Worth, TX
    Panelists:
    Hon. Guy Herman, Travis County Probate Court #1 - Austin, TX
    Craig Hopper, Hopper Mikeska, PLLC - Austin, TX
    Patricia F. Sitchler, The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler - La Vernia, TX

  • 4:30 pm
    0.75 hr
    Hot Topics in Estate Planning and Elder Law
    What’s in, what’s out and what’s unknown—a look at the issues which most affect our practices due to rules, regulations, drafting and public policy.

    Mary Alice Jackson, Mary Alice Jackson, P.C. - Austin, TX

  • 5:15 pm
    Adjourn to Networking Reception
    Thank You to Our Reception Sponsor 

    Frost Wealth Advisors

  • Time
    Credit
    Subject
    Speaker
  • Friday Morning, Aug. 7, 2015
    Presiding Officer:
    Hon. Gladys B. Burwell, Senior Statutory Probate Judge - Friendswood, TX
  • 7:30 am
    Conference Room Opens
    Includes continental breakfast.

  • GUARDIANSHIP ESSENTIALS
  • 8:00 am
    1.00 hr
    0.50 hr ethics
    1.00 hr guardianship
    The Role of the Guardian
    An examination of the duties and responsibilities of a guardian under Texas law and guardianship administration from initiation to closing, including the code requirements of selling and leasing property, ethical issues and more.

    Clinton Wayne Alexander, Barnes Lipscomb Stewart - Austin, TX

  • 9:00 am
    1.00 hr
    0.50 hr ethics
    1.00 hr guardianship
    The Role of the Ad Litem
    An overview of the responsibilities of the attorney ad litem and guardian ad litem in guardianship proceedings with an emphasis on practical application of the statutes, conduct in uncontested and contested proceedings and pointers on applications for fees. The materials include numerous checklists, comprehensive references and forms.

    Hon. Steve M. King, Tarrant County Probate Court #1 - Fort Worth, TX

  • 10:00 am
    Break

  • 10:15 am
    0.75 hr
    Classic Issues and Unexpected Twists: Texas Case Law in Review
    A review of recent Texas cases impacting estate planning, estate administration and elder law practices.

    Elisa Dillard Rainey, Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law LP - Waco, TX

  • 11:00 am
    0.75 hr
    0.25 hr ethics
    VA Look-Back: What Do the Proposed Law Changes Mean to You and Your Clients?
    In January 2015, the VA issued proposed changes to the Improved Pension (with Aid and Attendance) laws that would implement a 3 year look-back, penalties up to 10 years, a bright-line net worth limit and other changes that would harm the ability of Wartime Veterans from qualifying. Learn how to capitalize on opportunities before the rules become final!  

    Victoria L. Collier, The Elder & Disability Law Firm of Victoria L. Collier, PC - Decatur, GA

  • 11:45 am
    Pick Up Lunch
    Included in registration. 

  • Friday Afternoon, Aug. 7, 2015
    Presiding Officer:
    Wesley E. Wright, Wright Abshire, Attorneys - Bellaire, TX
  • LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
  • 12:05 pm
    1.00 hr
    0.25 hr ethics
    0.25 hr guardianship
    Ask the Experts
    A panel of seasoned practitioners respond to your frequently—and sometimes infrequently—asked questions including practice, professional and ethical issues in estate planning, probate, guardianship and elder law.

    Moderator:
    H. Clyde Farrell, Farrell & Pak PLLC - Austin, TX
    Panelists:
    Craig Hopper, Hopper Mikeska, PLLC - Austin, TX
    Elisa Dillard Rainey, Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law LP - Waco, TX
    Renée C. Lovelace, The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C. - Austin, TX
    Patricia F. Sitchler, The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler - La Vernia, TX

  • 1:05 pm
    Break

  • 1:20 pm
    0.50 hr
    The Ins and Outs of Long-Term Care Insurance
    Fighting over long term care insurance—the basics, common issues and practice tips. 

    Jennifer Tatum Lee, Taylor Dunham and Rodriguez LLP - Austin, TX

  • 1:50 pm
    0.50 hr
    The View from HHSC
    Hear the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) address current issues in long-term care Medicaid eligibility.

    Shari L. Nichols, Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Austin, TX

  • 2:20 pm
    0.75 hr
    0.25 hr ethics
    0.75 hr guardianship
    Guardianship Issues for the Impaired Divorce Client

    Sarah Patel Pacheco, Crain, Caton & James, P.C. - Houston, TX

  • 3:05 pm
    0.50 hr
    0.50 hr guardianship
    Guardianship for the Medicaid Recipient
    A discussion on guardian compensation, Medicaid spend down considerations, and transfers and gifts of the ward’s assets in relation to Medicaid qualification. 

    Kelley M. Bentley, Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey - Sugarland, TX
    Joy Marie Eckelkamp, Wright Abshire, Attorneys - Bellaire, TX

  • 3:35 pm
    Adjourn

  • Day 1 August 6, 2015
  • Day 2 August 7, 2015
Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Clinton Wayne Alexander

Barnes Lipscomb Stewart
Austin, TX

Kelley M. Bentley

Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey
Sugarland, TX

Leah Cohen

arrangeCARE
Austin, TX

Victoria L. Collier

The Elder & Disability Law Firm of Victoria L. Collier, PC
Decatur, GA

Joy Marie Eckelkamp

Wright Abshire, Attorneys
Bellaire, TX

H. Clyde Farrell

Farrell & Pak PLLC
Austin, TX

Hon. Guy Herman

Travis County Probate Court #1
Austin, TX

Craig Hopper

Hopper Mikeska, PLLC
Austin, TX

Mary Alice Jackson

Mary Alice Jackson, P.C.
Austin, TX

Glenn M. Karisch

The Karisch Law Firm, PLLC
Austin, TX

Hon. Steve M. King

Tarrant County Probate Court #1
Fort Worth, TX

Renée C. Lovelace

The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C.
Austin, TX

Marilyn G. Miller

Attorney at Law
Dripping Springs, TX

Shari L. Nichols

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Austin, TX

Sarah Patel Pacheco

Crain, Caton & James, P.C.
Houston, TX

Elisa Dillard Rainey

Rainey & Rainey, Attorneys at Law LP
Waco, TX

Webber Barton Roscher

Osborne, Helman, Knebel & Scott, LLP
Austin, TX

Patricia F. Sitchler

The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler
La Vernia, TX

David P. Stanush

Strasburger & Price, LLP
San Antonio, TX

Jennifer Tatum Lee

Taylor Dunham and Rodriguez LLP
Austin, TX

Wesley E. Wright

Wright Abshire, Attorneys
Bellaire, TX

Planning Committee

H. Clyde Farrell—Chair

Farrell & Pak PLLC
Austin, TX

Randy Drewett

Attorney at Law
Beaumont, TX

Claire D. East

Hopper Mikeska, PLLC
Austin, TX

Hon. Guy Herman

Travis County Probate Court #1
Austin, TX

Mary Alice Jackson

Mary Alice Jackson, P.C.
Austin, TX

Joanna Jefferson

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Glenn M. Karisch

The Karisch Law Firm, PLLC
Austin, TX

Christina Lesher

The Law Office of Christina Lesher, PC
Houston, TX

Renée C. Lovelace

The Lovelace Law Firm, P.C.
Austin, TX

Pi-Yi Mayo

Law Office of Pi-Yi Mayo
Baytown, TX

Marilyn G. Miller

Attorney at Law
Dripping Springs, TX

Bliss Burdett Pak

Farrell & Pak PLLC
Austin, TX

Bryn A. Poland

Law Office of Pi-Yi Mayo
Baytown, TX

Patricia F. Sitchler

The Law Office of Patricia Flora Sitchler
La Vernia, TX

Nancy Sosa

Cadence Trust
Austin, TX

Wesley E. Wright

Wright Abshire, Attorneys
Bellaire, TX

Credit Info

  • Galveston
MCLE Credit
Toggle view Texas – 14.00 hrs  |  2.50 hrs Ethics  |  4.50 hrs Guardianship
Legal Specialization(s): Estate Planning and Probate Law, Tax Law
You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number  provided on your certificate of attendance.
Toggle view California – 14.00 hrs  |  2.50 hrs Ethics
You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov.  UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  
Toggle view Louisiana – 14.00 hrs  |  2.50 hrs Ethics
At the completion of the conference you must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Supreme Court of Louisiana Continuing Legal Education Committee within 30 days after the conference. 
Toggle view Ohio – 13.75 hrs  |  2.50 hrs Ethics
You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to The Supreme Court of Ohio within 30 days after the conference. 
Toggle view Oklahoma – 16.50 hrs  |  3.00 hrs Ethics
You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.
Other Credit
Toggle view Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – 21.50 hrs
This course has been approved for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credit. UT Law CLE will report your credit for you, but we do require that you claim the credit in your Briefcase and ensure your CFP number is add in your account. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

You can learn more at: http://www.cfp.net/
Toggle view National Accounting CPE – 16.50 hrs
The University of Texas School of Law is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Delivery Method: Group-Live (UT Law CLE is a provider of NASBA Group-Live credit only, which excludes online offerings. 

To comply with NASBA Standards, attendees claiming CPE credit must sign in to verify attendance for each segment. Attendance sign-in sheets will be available at the registration desk. You will need your CPA license number to sign in. A CPE Certificate of Completion will be provided at the conclusion of the conference.

Reporting: CPAs are responsible for reporting CPE credits earned to their state's accountancy board, and must retain appropriate documentation of their participation in learning activities. Visit your state’s reporting website for more information or www.nasba.org.
Toggle view TX Guardianship Certification Board (GCB) – 14.00 hrs  |  2.50 hrs Ethics
This program has been approved for Guardianship credit by the JBCC. UT Law CLE has posted the course number for self-reporting, but attendees who select this credit type should also expect an email from staff with instructions and the course number.

Learn more about self-reporting to JBCC:
https://www.txcourts.gov/jbcc/guardianship-programs/

Key Dates

Galveston – Aug 6-7, 2015 – Moody Gardens
Conference Concluded
Buy
  • Galveston
Individual
Last day for $575.00 Regular pricing: Jul 29, 2015

$625.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $520.00 Regular pricing: Jul 29, 2015

$570.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $460.00 Regular pricing: Jul 29, 2015

$510.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): Jul 31, 2015

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Aug 3, 2015

Venue

speaker

Moody Gardens

Seven Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX
888.388.8484 (reservations)

Accommodations

$174 room rate good through July 13, 2015 (subject to availability). 

Parking Information

Self-Parking: Complimentary

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

  • Frost Wealth Advisors logo
    Frost Wealth Advisors
    Frost has a team of professionals who work together towards a common goal—to help you achieve financial security. Today, the Frost Wealth Advisors are responsible for more than $29 billion in assets of individuals, families, businesses and non-profit institutions. You can count on us for investment management, trust administration, estate and financial planning, real estate, oil and gas management, retirement plan management, tax planning and wealth management. Frost has built a legacy of involvement with the communities it serves, especially with the organizations that provide for the betterment of the community. In fact, we have a dedicated group of specialists in our Public Finance Division who understand the specialized financing, treasury, investment and insurance needs of Texas governmental and non-profit institutions including educational, religious and healthcare organizations.
    frostbank.com
  • Cadence Bank logo
    Cadence Bank
    Cadence Bank’s Trust Services Division, formerly Encore Trust, has been serving the trust and wealth management needs of clients in Texas for more than 50 years, and today manages approximately $1.5 billion in assets. Whether building, managing or transitioning your assets, our talented trust professionals can help you at every stage. Averaging 20 years experience each, our administrative team can advise you on investment services, estate and trust development and administration, and fiduciary services, both knowledgeably and efficiently. Personal service is the hallmark of every relationship we develop, and we remain steadfast on helping you achieve your financial goals. Cadence Trust has two locations in Houston, as well as full-service offices in Austin and Dallas.
    cadencebank.com
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