ACTEC Trust & Estate Talk

Learn when an irrevocable trust can be modified, how courts define material purpose, and the legal risks of judicial and non-judicial trust changes. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Can executors be personally liable for unpaid estate taxes? Learn how fiduciaries and transferees can reduce risk and avoid costly mistakes. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how Section 2801 final regulations affect gifts and bequests from covered expatriates, including tax rules, trusts, Form 708, and key exceptions. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn when grantor trusts can reimburse income taxes, key IRS rules, state law differences, and planning strategies for estate planners. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how to address an unfunded bypass trust after death, including legal theories, tax implications, and practical strategies for estate and trust administration. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Estate tax apportionment isn't always straightforward. Learn how federal and state rules affect beneficiaries and how to avoid planning pitfalls. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how estate planning attorneys can use AI for document review, trust analysis, client intake, and drafting assistance while maintaining professional judgment and confidentiality. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how directed trusts divide trustee responsibilities, the role of trust protectors, and how modern trust design creates flexibility in estate planning while maintaining effective trust administration. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how modern single-family offices are structured, including classic and profits interest models, tax efficiency, governance, and investment management. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Modern family offices, private trust companies, and purpose trusts: governance, tax considerations, and legacy planning strategies for ultra-high-net-worth families. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore family office models, services, and key planning considerations for ultra-high-net-worth families, from single-family offices to MFOs. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore Part 3 of the Trachtman Lecture as Haley Moss shares practical strategies to build inclusive workplaces and support neurodiverse individuals. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore neurodiversity in the workplace—covering inclusion, underemployment, stigma, and why embracing different brains benefits everyone. (Part 2 of 3 of Trachtman Lecture) The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore neurodiversity in Part 1 of the 3-part Annual Trachtman Lecture—challenging the idea of "normal," redefining differences, and highlighting how every brain processes the world uniquely. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore private trust company design, including governance, jurisdiction, tax considerations, and ownership structures for family wealth planning. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how fractional and pecuniary trust funding formulas impact taxes, asset allocation, and estate planning outcomes for beneficiaries. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how charitable organizations provide disaster relief, including 501(c)(3) rules, fiscal sponsorship, and compliance requirements for aiding survivors. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

When disaster strikes, preparation matters. Based on real-life lessons from the 2025 Eaton Fire, this episode of ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk shares practical strategies to help clients prepare for, navigate, and recover from natural disasters—from evacuation planning and insurance coverage to long-term rebuilding. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how law firms can recruit, train, and mentor the next generation of trust and estate attorneys to address the growing shortage in the estate planning profession. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Analysis of Trump Accounts under Section 530A, including eligibility, contribution limits, gift tax concerns, IRA conversion rules, and comparison to Section 529 plans. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore how community property laws shape IRAs, 401(k)s, beneficiary designations, and spousal rights in retirement account estate planning. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

When parents join prenup or divorce planning, ethical risks follow. ACTEC Fellows explore privilege, conflicts, and protecting the attorney-client relationship. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore overlooked trusts—including HEETs, alimony, voting, and blind trusts—and when estate planners should use them to address complex client needs. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

How cultural awareness improves estate planning outcomes, with insights on the racial wealth gap and strategies for more effective, inclusive client guidance. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Cultural competence in estate planning and how the ABA Model Rules guide ethical, inclusive client representation. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how the 2026 tax law changes impact charitable deductions, SALT limits, and QCD planning—especially for donors over age 70½ and high-income taxpayers. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Portability can be a powerful tool—until it isn't. In this new ACTEC Trust and Estate Talk episode, we break down Estate of Rowland v. Commissioner and how an incomplete estate tax return cost the surviving spouse $3.7 million in DSUE. Learn what went wrong, why the relaxed reporting rules didn't apply, and the key steps practitioners should take to safeguard a valid portability election. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Common Form 709 mistakes can trigger costly GST and gift-tax consequences. ACTEC experts explain how to spot and fix DSUE, GST allocation, and gift-splitting errors. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn about Form 709-NA, e-filing updates, gift splitting, digital assets, and disclosure rules in this ACTEC podcast on gift tax returns. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn key considerations for trustees managing Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) and how to navigate grantor rules and withdrawal rights. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how 2025–2026 tax changes impact charitable deductions, DAFs, and SALT limits, plus smart year-end giving and IRA gift strategies. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Learn how U.S. tax rules affect foreign non-grantor trusts and discover key strategies for cross-border estate planning and compliance. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Artificial Intelligence is redefining publicity rights. From ABBA's "ABBAtars" to AI voice cloning and estate planning battles, the legal landscape is shifting fast. ACTEC Fellows discuss the challenges and their implications for legacy planning. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.  

Learn how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes the Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction, expanding phase-in ranges and tax planning opportunities. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore OB3 Act changes to QSBS rules, including the new $75M limit, $15M exclusion, and strategies to maximize tax savings for founders and investors. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Discover how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes Qualified Opportunity Zones, estate planning rules, and tax strategies for investors. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA)—sweeping tax law changes on estate, gift, and charitable deductions—in Pt. 1 of a series of podcasts. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore estate planning that goes beyond money—trusts, family well-being, and legacy strategies to help future generations flourish. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

In our journey to personal flourishing, we explore powerful life lessons—like savoring the moment, practicing gratitude, letting go of grudges, prioritizing what matters, and even taking bold risks. Packed with stories, research, and timeless wisdom, this episode will inspire you to live more fully—one moment at a time. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Discover how positive psychology intersects with estate planning in Steve Akers' 2025 Trachtman Lecture. Part 1 explores PERMA and key wellness insights. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore how positive psychology and trust planning intersect in Steve Akers' "Counting Down, Counting Up, Flourishing" Trachtman Lecture preview. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Explore Sections 2704(a) & (b) and their impact on family-limited partnerships, valuation, and estate planning under Chapter 14. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

How do Sections 2701–2704 impact family wealth planning? Discover key traps, safe harbors, and IRS challenges in this expert ACTEC discussion. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Understand IRC Chapter 14 rules, Sections 2701–2704, and key estate planning strategies to avoid tax pitfalls in family wealth transfers. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Discover how top-tier client service and smart tools like Calendly, Zapier, and TextExpander can transform your law firm's client experience. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

An expert shares how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs can reduce taxable income, satisfy RMDs, and maximize charitable giving for those 70½+. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Expert tips for estate planning attorneys to avoid ethical pitfalls, featuring recent cases and examples of disciplinary actions and disqualifications. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

The IRS proposed changes to Circular 230—what does it mean for tax professionals? A tax expert explains what professionals need to understand. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Retirement assets can mean big tax hits for heirs. Discover expert estate planning tips to reduce taxes and maximize benefits for your clients. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.

Now is the time (before March 6) to review fiduciary income tax planning and distributable net income (DNI) for your client's trust and estate. Learn why. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, ACTEC, is a professional society of peer-elected trust and estate lawyers in the United States and around the globe. This series offers professionals best practice advice, insights, and commentary on subjects that affect the profession and clients. Learn more in this podcast.