2025 Annual Probate Law Institute

2025 Annual Probate Law Institute

Agenda
Session 1
Trust Modifications and Trust Terminations: Unintended Tax Consequences and How to Avoid Them in Both Drafting and Administration Stages
1.0 General
Speaker: Edwin P. Morrow III, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), MBA, CFP, Kelleher + Holland, LLC
Ed will discuss the unintended tax consequences when modifying or terminating a trust and how to avoid these issues in both the drafting and administration stages.

Session 2
Ethics: Panel Discussion Analyzing the Rules of Professional Conduct
1.0 Professional Conduct
Panelists: Richard A. Dove, Director, Ohio Board of Professional Conduct; Thomas M. Green, J.D., Partner, Green & Green Lawyers LPA; Gary J. Leppla, J.D., Leppla Associates Ltd.
This panel will analyze the Rules of Professional Responsibility, focusing on attorneys' obligations and whether compliance with the black letter of the rules suffices or if specific estate, probate, and trust practices demand additional ethical considerations.

Session 3
Legislative Update
1.0 General
Speaker: Scott Lundregan, Director of Policy and Legislative Counsel, Ohio State Bar Association
Scott will provide an in-depth analysis of recent and pending legislation affecting estate planning, trust, and probate practitioners.

Session 4
Fiduciary Investments
1.0 General
Speakers: David M. Hopper, J.D., CTFA, and Bradley A. Ruppert, CFA®, LCNB National Bank
This session will cover fiduciary obligations under the Uniform Prudent Investor Act and Ohio Trust Code, including portfolio management, risk diversification, legacy asset handling, and drafting strategies to mitigate trustee liability.

Session 5
Probate Law Updates: 2024 and Beyond
1.0 General
Speaker: Jessica S. Forrest, J.D., Reminger Co., L.P.A.
Jessica will provide a comprehensive overview of 2024 Ohio probate law cases, anticipated cases for 2025, and changes related to the Probate Omnibus bill.

Session 6
The Hour of Power
1.0 General
Speaker: Honorable David D. Brannon, Judge, Montgomery County Probate Court, with Magistrates and Court Staff
Judge Brannon and his team will discuss recent changes affecting practitioners, including updates to the e-filing system, local rules, and practical tips for attorneys.