Estate Planning Toolkit: A Paralegal’s Guide to Trusts

Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association

Mastering the mechanics of trust administration is a core pillar of a successful estate planning practice. This practical, skills-based course equips paralegals with the essential tools needed to navigate the lifecycle of a trust from initial drafting to final funding. Participants will gain deep legal insights into identifying necessary trust parties, drafting airtight boilerplate and specific provisions, and executing critical asset transfers. Through real-world examples and hands-on checklists, this course transforms complex legal theories into a structured, step-by-step toolkit for the everyday legal professional.

Learning Objectives:

1. Trust Anatomy & Architecture: Distinguishing key roles (Settlor, Trustee, Beneficiary) and analyzing the functional differences between revocable, irrevocable, and asset-protection trust structures.
2. Drafting Mechanics: Crafting precise trust provisions, distribution clauses, and trustee powers while avoiding common drafting pitfalls.
3. The Funding Process: Mastering the asset transfer lifecycle, including deed preparation for real estate, re-titling financial accounts, and updating beneficiary designations.

CLE Hours = 1 Substantive