Explore the complexities of estate planning and probate using LLCs, covering tax implications, management strategies, compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act, and minimizing disputes.

This course dives deep into the intricacies of estate planning and probate when utilizing LLCs. Learn from experienced professional Don Ford about the benefits and challenges of using LLCs in estate planning, including creditor protection, tax efficiency, and management structures.
Participants will gain valuable insights into the practical application of LLCs, the importance of having well-drafted operating agreements, and strategies for minimizing disputes among beneficiaries. This course is essential for legal practitioners, accountants, and financial advisors aiming to optimize estate plans for their clients while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations such as the Corporate Transparency Act.
Topics List:

Managing Partner at Ford+Bergner LLP
In 2010, Mr. Ford achieved the highest distinction available to an attorney practicing in estate planning and probate in Texas. He became Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a coveted recognition bestowed on few attorneys who have demonstrated special competence in this area of law and received recommendations from fellow attorneys and judges. In 2009, Mr. Ford completed the coursework required to become a certified mediator. He attended the world-renowned Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California, with the goal of conducting mediations in probate and guardianship cases, as few mediators in Texas specialize in these areas. In 2006, Mr. Ford was appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas to serve on the Guardianship Certification Board, a 15-member board that creates policy and oversees the regulation of private professional guardians in the state. At the inaugural meeting of the GCB, Mr. Ford was elected as the Chair of the Rules Committee, where he has served with distinction since then. Mr. Ford’s recent distinctions reflect his dedication to estate planning, probate, and guardianship, which began early in his education. In law school, Mr. Ford concentrated his education in estate planning and business planning, similar to a major in undergraduate school. His concentration involved an in-depth study of these areas, including regular one-on-one work with professors in tax planning and will drafting. Mr. Ford graduated from Baylor University with degrees in Accounting and Law and has completed several post-graduate courses at Baylor in pursuit of a Master's in Taxation. After law school, he began his career as a Tax Attorney for a large international accounting and consulting firm, assisting clients primarily in estate and gift tax and personal income tax. The combination of his tax-related degrees and his experience working as a tax attorney have given Mr. Ford a strong background in estate planning and probate, and he has focused his attention and expertise in these areas ever since. Mr. Ford devotes his knowledge and experience to maintaining the reputation of Ford+Bergner as a leading estate planning and probate firm in Texas.