2021

  • February 23, 2021
    What is Probate?  What are the Duties of a Personal Representative?
    Learn about the different versions of probate available in Montana, the duties of a personal representative, and how to reduce the cost of probate.
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • February 16, 2021
    Using Trusts to Accomplish a Variety of Estate and Legacy Planning Goals
    Discover the advantages and disadvantages of living, testamentary, and QTIP trusts as estate planning tools.
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • February 9, 2021
    Letters of Last Instruction: What to Include

    Learn what provide essential information is needed to relieve your survivors (spouse, children or other family members) of needless hours of frustration and anguish as they search for needed important documents during a time of sadness and grief over your death.
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • February 2, 2021
    Powers of Attorney:  Financial and Health Care

    Learn how to grant powers to a designated agent so the person can make decisions about your finances or health. Learn about the Montana statutory form for a financial POA and the Model Health Care POA form.
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • January 26, 2021
    Long-Term Care Costs:  Alternative Plans, including Medicaid

    With the average cost of nursing home care reaching over $7,670 per month ($92,046 yearly) Montana seniors want to gain a better understanding of options for planning for the costs of long-term care.  This session will help you to make the best choice for your family.
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • January 19, 2021
    Comparing Life Estates and Joint Tenancies as Estate and Legacy Planning Tools
    Acquire an understanding of the consequences differences between these two estate planning options and what they could mean for your loved ones.
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • January 12, 2021
    Avoid Probate with a Transfer on Death Deed

    Learn about an option provided by the Montana Legislature for transferring your real property after death, while helping your family avoid a costly and time consuming probate.
    Resources
    You-Tube Link| Downloadable Version (MP4)


  • January 5, 2021
    What You Can and Cannot Do With a Will
    Learn when a written will works and when it does not, the basic provisions in a will and begin to consider other estate planning tools allowing you to accomplish your estate planning goals.
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

 

 

2020

  • June 16, 2020 
    Important Decisions and Tough Conversations
    What is your legacy? What are the differences among estate planning, succession planning, transition, and legacy planning? What are some ideas for starting the difficult conversation about Transition Planning?
    Resources
    You Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • May 26, 2020
    Financial Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney
    During this time when we are all facing anxiety and disruption, our vulnerable are at especially high risk.  This webinar will introduce a new form for the Montana Health Care Power of Attorney, along with a packet of accompanying forms. The materials were developed by the Health Care Law Section and Business, Estates, Trusts, Tax and Real Property Section of the State Bar of Montana; Montana State University Extension and the Alzheimer's Workgroup.  Highlights from the Montana statutory Financial Power of Attorney Act will also be discussed.
    Resources
    You Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • May 19, 2020
    To Gift or Not to Gift?
    Should you gift while you are alive or leave a bequest after you die?
    Resources
    You Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • May 12, 2020
    Trusts 101
    What are the differences between a living trust and a testamentary trust? How could you use a testamentary trust to treat your grandchildren equally or unequally?
    Resources
    You Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • May 5, 2020
    Equal vs. Equitable in Estate Planning
    What do you need to consider when writing a will? How do you distinguish between “equal” vs “equitable”?
    Resources
    You-Tube Link |Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • April 28, 2020
    The Ins and Outs of Joint Tenancy
    Overheard at a local café: “My property is held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, I don’t need a will.  Right?” “When I remarried I placed my property in joint tenancy with my new wife.  I can write a will to leave the property to my kids.  Right?”  “I added my daughter’s name to my checking account. That was the right thing to do, Right?” Hear Marsha’s response. Hint: she says Probably WRONG, WRONG, WRONG
    Resources
    You-Tube Link |Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • April  21, 2020
    Distributing Personal Property
    How can you provide for the distribution of treasured personal property items so your children don’t fight over them after you die?
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • April 14, 2020
    Beneficiaries 101
    What’s a POD?  What’s a TOD?  Using these two beneficiary designations on financial accounts is one way to avoid probate.  What beneficiary designations can be placed on United States Savings Bonds? Are your beneficiary designations on life insurance, IRAs and other retirement accounts up-to-date?  How can you leave your real property to beneficiaries without it going through a costly probate?
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)

  • April 7, 2020
    Dying Without a Will
    Think you know who receives your property if you don’t write a will?  Think again! And, if you have a written will, is the phrase “by right of representation” included?  Do you understand what that phrase means?
    Resources
    You-Tube Link | Downloadable Version (MP4)