Essentials of Trust and Estate Planning™

About This Course

The Essentials of Trust and Estate Planning™ is designed for practitioners who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in order to have more productive and meaningful client conversations.

Throughout the course, participants learn about the various aspects of trust and estate planning, including the importance of prudent planning steps during one's lifetime and the impact of these decisions on the overall estate plan. The course emphasizes the broad aspects of the Trust industry and how they influence trust and estate planning decisions.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key concepts and strategies involved in effective trust and estate planning
• Identify prudent planning steps that clients can take during their lifetime to benefit their estate plan
• Recognize the broad aspects of the Trust industry and how they impact trust and estate planning decisions
• Apply their learning through case studies and knowledge checks
• Engage in more effective client conversations related to trust and estate planning

Course Outline

Material is divided into 5 content modules with knowledge checks. In addition, there is a case study module as well as a comprehensive assessment.

• Section 1: Overview and Purpose of Estate Planning
• Section 2: Property Rights and Property Ownership
• Section 3: The Transfer Taxation System
• Section 4: Estate Planning Strategies Implemented During Life
• Section 5: Estate Planning Strategies Implemented At Death

Course Instructor

Daniel A. Smith, CFP®, CWS®

As a dedicated professional, Daniel Smith believes that everyone deserves sound advice and exceptional service. With his extensive real-world experience, Daniel brings a spirited approach to his instruction, helping advisors put their knowledge into immediate, practical use to better serve their clients. His expertise lies in sales and relationship management skills, which he seamlessly integrates with the complexities of estate planning, estate taxation, charitable giving, and investment management. By doing so, Daniel empowers advisors to effectively guide wealthy clients and their families in achieving their goals.

Before joining Cannon, Daniel spent years as a client-facing advisor in the Wealth Management and Trust business. His 25 years of experience with Cannon have further enriched his knowledge, as he constantly interacts with top financial advisors and wealthy individuals across the globe, incorporating best practices into his teachings.

A sought-after speaker, Daniel frequently presents at financial services firms and conferences worldwide, covering topics such as sales, exceptional service, estate planning, taxation, and industry trends. His insights have been featured in numerous publications, including Trusts & Estates and Registered Rep magazines. As the leader of Cannon Trust School, the largest trust school in the country, Daniel continues to make a significant impact on the industry. His consulting work spans distance-based learning solutions, private family wealth consultation, and expert witness services.

Who Should Enroll and Why

Trust Officers and Administrators will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and strategies involved in trust and estate planning. This knowledge will help you better manage and administer trusts, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and provide excellent support to clients. By exploring real-world case studies, you will be better prepared to handle complex situations and make informed decisions in your roles.

Financial Advisors and Wealth Managers will gain a deep understanding of trust and estate planning concepts. This knowledge will enable you to provide more comprehensive and valuable advice to your clients, helping them protect and preserve their wealth for future generations. By exploring the various estate planning strategies and tools, you will be better equipped to guide your clients in making informed decisions and creating effective estate plans.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants will find this course highly beneficial. By gaining a solid foundation in estate planning concepts, property rights, and transfer taxation, they will be better equipped to support attorneys and clients throughout the estate planning process. This course will also help you develop the skills necessary to draft documents, conduct research, and assist in the implementation of estate planning strategies.

Aspiring Trust Professionals will find this course to be an excellent starting point. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and strategies involved in estate planning, you will be well-prepared to launch your career in this rewarding field. This course will provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to excel in entry-level positions and pursue further specialization in trust and estate planning.