Planning for Illinois Estates with Challenging Assets

ISBA Members: Use your 15 hours of Free CLE credits to order this program –
just use the green button next to the “Add to Cart” button below!
Presented by the ISBA Trusts & Estates Section


1.0 hour MCLE credit


Original Program Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Accreditation Expiration Date: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­February 24, 2027 (You must certify completion and save your certificate before this date to get MCLE credit)


Challenging assets can be anything from tax deferred assets, to non-Illinois situs assets, to assets not easily divisible between spousal trusts, and more. Join us for this in-depth look at the strategies you can use to address taxable estates in Illinois that have challenging assets. Trusts and estates lawyers, elder law attorneys, general practitioners, and federal tax lawyers with intermediate practice experience who attend this online program will learn:
  • How to handle estates with less-than-ideal assets to maximize utilization of estate tax exemptions, including the use of disclaimers;
  • How to balance federal planning with Illinois estate tax planning (portability vs. equalization);
  • The options for dividing and/or equalizing assets between spouses or spousal trusts for assets that are not divisible or are tax deferred vehicles; and
  • The barriers and potential workarounds for taxable estates having mostly challenging assets, such as retirement accounts, profit sharing plans, closely held businesses, or illiquid assets.

Program Coordinator:
Colleen L. Sahlas, The Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, LLC, Oak Brook

Program Chat Moderator:
Melissa Johnson, Generation Law, Elmhurst

Program Speakers:
Lauran L. Stevenson, Chapman and Cutler LLP, Chicago
Rebecca Wallenfelsz, Chapman and Cutler LLP, Chicago



Pricing Information

  • Please Note: You must attend the entire program in order to earn MCLE credit for this seminar.
  • ISBA sponsoring section members get a $10 registration discount (which is automatically calculated in your cart when you log in to register).
  • Fees:
    • ISBA Member Price of $35 is displayed below when you login and program is eligible for Free CLE member benefit.
    • Non-Member Price $70
    • New Attorney Member (within the first five years of practice) - $25
    • Law Students – Free

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