Understanding & Using Trusts: MCLE BasicsPlus!®

Thursday, September 24, 2026

9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

MCLE Conference Center, Ten Winter Place, Boston MA
Also available via live webcast and recording

Click here to register

MCLE Description

Every estate planner knows that trusts are an essential and widely used estate planning tool, but not all estate planners have the in-depth understanding of trusts they really need in order to serve their clients effectively. A thorough understanding of trust formation and administration is critical across many areas of specialization, including tax, real estate, finance, litigation, elder law, and nonprofit law. It is equally important when advising clients to understand the technical rules governing trusts and how Massachusetts statutes and common law may affect both trustees and beneficial interest holders.

The expert faculty guide you step-by-step through the life of a trust, from beginning the trust to ongoing administration to wrapping up. They analyze the latest updates and provide valuable advice on key, cutting-edge issues. You leave with a thorough overview of how trusts work and how to use them to achieve your clients’ goals.

Agenda Highlights:

• Basic Estate Planning: Probate; Family Issues
• Overview of Trusts
• Transfer Taxes: Gift, Estate, GST
• Marital Deduction Planning: Requirements and Administration
• Trust Funding: Funding Intervivos Trust and Splitting Trusts at Death
• Duties and Powers of a Trustee
• Charitable Trusts
• Medicaid Planning and Elder Law Issues Spotting
• Advanced Strategies (GRATs, SLATs, IDGTs); Income and Estate Tax Advantages and Disadvantages
• “Ask the Experts” Q&A Session

Special Program Materials

• Understanding and Using Trusts

Faculty

• Kristin N.G. Dzialo, Esq., Rubin Rudman LLP, Boston
• Caroline F. Trainor, Esq., Rubin Rudman LLP, Boston
• Jennifer Z. Flanagan, Esq., Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie & Lougee LLP, Worcester
• Christine Boutine, Esq., Mirick, Worcester
• Claire N. Carrabba, Esq., Dugney Dougherty PLLC, Greenwich
• Annette K. Eaton, Esq., The Northern Trust Company, Boston
• Elizabeth V. Newton, Esq., Mirick, Worcester
• Stephen L. Sobey, sq., Shatz, Schwartz, and Fentin, PC, Springfield
• Molly R. Soiffer, Esq., Bove Langa Witherell & Soiffer, PC, Boston
• Rachel M. Wassel, ESQ., Wilchins Cosentino & Novins LLP, Needham Heights