Trusts are a central component of modern estate planning, yet they are often misunderstood or improperly matched to client objectives. This CLE program introduces the legal framework governing trusts and examines how trusts are used to address common planning goals, including lifetime asset management, incapacity planning, and post-mortem distribution.

The course analyzes the practical differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, focusing on issues such as retained control, modification, asset protection, and administrative consequences. It also evaluates the relative advantages and limitations of wills and trusts as planning instruments, providing guidance on when a trust-based plan may be preferable and when a will alone may suffice. By grounding the discussion in legal structure and planning strategy, this program provides attorneys with a clear, working understanding of how to incorporate trusts into effective client planning.