Registration, Breakfast, and Sponsors

A full breakfast is included.  Please arrive at 8:00 am to enjoy breakfast, get checked in, and spend some time with the Sponsors who make this event possible.

Welcome & Comments

MassForum Business
Introduction to the role and responsibilities of the Board and Committees. Elections
 

Prenuptial Agreements, Divorce and Trusts

This presentation will focus on things estate planners should be aware of when working in the divorce arena. So-called divorce planning or the drafting and negotiation of prenuptial agreements, whether or not a client’s worth is largely held, or will be held, in trust, will be a central focus. 

Visit Sponsors & Break

Northeast Private Trustees

Work Smarter, Live Better: Productivity Strategies for Success

Achieving work-life balance starts with optimizing your practice’s productivity. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies and tools to leverage resources and enhance workflow management, focusing on what matters most—and has the greatest impact. By freeing up your time and streamlining operations, you’ll enjoy greater satisfaction from your work, with more opportunities to focus on growing your business, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying life outside the office.
 

Lunch & Discussion

During lunch, we will have a roundtable discussion.  
Lunch is included with tuition.

Buy-sell Agreements drafting and other considerations

With the case of Connelly v. United States, the US Supreme Court addressed the valuation of stock in a closely held business when insurance is used to fund a buy-sell agreement. This decision must be analyzed and understood to design and implement any buy-sell agreement where life insurance is involved.
This session will address the following:

• Types of buy-sell agreements
• Income tax aspects of buy-sell agreements
• What Connelly stands for
• Which types of buy-sell agreements will or may be adversely affected by the Connelly case
• Whether existing buy-sell agreements should be amended or restructured
• How insurance should be used in funding buy-sell agreements 

Visit Sponsors & Break

Minute Women Dementia Care Specialists

Exit Strategy Business Owner Talk From A Financial Perspective

1. Pre-exit planning action items you can’t afford to skip
   i.      Define your wants and needs – and your ‘number’ (transition goals, quantifying monetary needs)
   ii.      Diversification and preparing for unknowns
   iii.      Build your team
   iv.      Reasons to start now (QSBS, agreement review, time to improve KPIs, what’s next, etc)
2. Introduction to liquidity options and key deal terms
3. Post-sale financial, tax, and investment planning
 

Breakfast and Sponsors

A full breakfast is included.  Please arrive at 8:00 am to enjoy breakfast and spend some time with the Sponsors who make this event possible.

Welcome to Day 2 and Comments

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) made relatively modest estate tax changes but introduced significant income tax considerations—shifting the focus squarely back to basis planning. This session will examine strategies for securing full basis step-ups at the first death and, where possible, positioning for a second step-up through the use of Joint Revocable Trusts.
Todd will also analyze the recent amendments to the Massachusetts estate tax, including the elimination of the benefits of the Massachusetts-only QTIP election. He’ll discuss the practical implications of these changes, how existing MASS ONLY QTIP elections remain viable for pre-change estates, and the planning opportunities they still create in eliminating the QTIP from taxation in the surviving spouse’s estate. 
While not a deep dive into income taxation, the session will address selected trust income tax issues relevant to practitioners navigating the intersection of estate and income tax planning in light of the new law.
 
Attendees will gain an updated framework for advising clients on basis optimization, trust structuring, and Massachusetts estate tax compliance in the wake of these legislative changes.

Visit Sponsors, Break & Get to Know Your Board

Those interested in joining the Board or a Committee will break off in small groups to discuss the Board and Committees further.

Reimagine Your Firm’s Client Care - Creating a Client Engagement Strategy to Increase Revenue and Build Equity in Your Firm

Is your estate planning practice truly Client-Centered? During this session we will dive into the entire lifecycle of a client in your estate planning practice. Whether you currently have a formal client maintenance program or an informal system for staying in touch with clients, this session is for you. We will help you evaluate your current client experience, identify revenue opportunities, and opportunities to enhance the client experience.

Lunch & Discussion

During lunch, we will have an open discussion and roundtable. Meet with interested Board members.
Lunch is included with tuition.

CPA’s Perspective on a Good Referral Relationship with Estate Planning Attorneys and How legal drafting impacts the various tax returns

A panel of CPAs and Tax preparation professionals discussing what they look for in a successful referral relationship with estate planning attorneys, and what doesn’t work.

• What do you want estate planning attorneys to know about you?
• What can we do better when working with you?
• What we should be explaining to our clients?
• What are good questions a client should ask an accountant they are considering working with?

Visit Sponsors & Break

Cambridge Trust

Lessons Learned from the Wealth Counsel Symposium Roundtable and Closing Remarks

Roundtable of Symposium attendees discussing highlights and takeaways.