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Sixth Annual Florida Fiduciary Conference

Presented by:

The Professional Fiduciary Council of Florida

Feather Sound Country Club

2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater/St. Petersburg, Florida 33762

Welcome Reception

and

Member Recognition

Thursday, May 1, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Full Day Florida Fiduciary Conference

Friday, May 2, 2025, 7:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

7:30 - 8:00          Registration, Continental Breakfast, Exhibitors

Late registration if space available, light breakfast items, visit Exhibitors.

8:00 - 8:15               Welcome and Opening Announcements

Darby Jones, Professional Fiduciary Council of Florida

8:15 - 9:05                 Session 1       Annual Legislative Update and Fiduciary Caselaw Highlights

Speakers:        Stephanie L. Cook

Nicklaus J. Curley

This important annual presentation serves to bring you current legal and legislative decisions or trends to improve your knowledge base and client service as a Professional Fiduciary in Florida.

9:05 - 10:55              Session 2 and Session 3       Guardianship from A to Z

Panel: Hung V. Nguyen – Attorney for the Alleged Incapacitated Person

Alexander S. Douglas, II – Magistrate

J. Richard Caskey – Alleged Incapacitated Person

Nicklaus J. Curley – Attorney for the Petitioner

Stephanie L. Cook – Petitioner/Family member

This session will explore the guardianship process from the initial call that the fiduciary/client may receive that leads to the filing of a petition to determine incapacity. From there, we will present a guardianship “mock trial” that will demonstrate the process of what happens in an incapacity proceeding, including questions that will be asked on direct examination and cross examination of the key witnesses in such proceedings. Additionally, some common evidentiary and possible ethical issues will be presented as the trial unfolds. Finally, you will hear comments from the “judge” which will further help demonstrate common considerations that real judges consider in these proceedings.

10:55 - 11:15           Break/Visit Exhibitors

11:15 - 12:15            Session 4       Top 25 Mistakes When Serving as a Professional Fiduciary!

Speaker:       Sarah S. Butters

Every fiduciary situation is different but there are important parameters, both statutory and practical, that must be understood when deciding to serve as a Personal Representative or an Agent under a Power of Attorney. Ms. Butters extensive experience in representing fiduciaries will bring stark clarity and guidance for today’s fiduciaries.

12:15 - 12:45           Lunch/Networking/Visit Exhibitors

12:45 - 1:35             Session 5       Essential Elder Law Insights to Safeguard You and Your Clients

Speaker:       Jason A. Waddell

As professionals entrusted with significant responsibilities, fiduciaries play a critical role in managing the affairs of their clients. Understanding elder law is not just beneficial; it is essential for ensuring that clients receive the care and protection they deserve. This presentation will cover key components of elder law, including asset protection, estate planning, amendments of trusts, and Medicaid eligibility, all of which are fundamental to effective fiduciary management. By grasping these principles, fiduciaries can enhance their services, build client trust, and avoid potential legal pitfalls. Join us as we explore these vital insights to empower your practice and support your clients effectively.

1:35 - 2:25               Session 6       Everything Florida Professional Fiduciaries Must Know About Community Property

Speaker:       Travis Hayes

But Florida is not a community property state you say? Not so fast….it gets complicated. This presentation is a must see to understand and identify when a client’s property may be controlled by community property status from another state, a Florida Community Property Trust, or by the laws of equitable distribution in Florida. This discussion will clarify misconceptions about property division or rights and provide important guidance when serving as a fiduciary.

2:25 - 2:45               Break/Visit Exhibitors

2:45 - 3:35               Session 7       Serving as a Professional Fiduciary and Representing Professional Fiduciaries… The Fiduciary Journey: Key Lessons and Practical Insights

Speakers:      Darby Jones

Andrew B. Sasso

Enjoy this important and practical discussion about fiduciary services from a Professional Fiduciary’s perspective and from the attorney’s perspective. How to make the best of tough and challenging situations while acting in your client’s best interest, avoiding legal pitfalls, manage risk effectively, and maintain a strong professional and ethical foundation in challenging fiduciary roles.

3:35 - 4:25                Session 8    Onboarding of a Trust Client

Panel:  Gentry Barnett Byrnes – from a Corporate Fiduciary perspective

Elizabeth Riker Williams – from an Individual Professional Fiduciary perspective

Learn best practices, due diligence strategies, and document review for important provisions (such as trustee fees, trustee resignation, succession, and removal). Panel will share useful tips for Fiduciaries including initial meetings with new clients and red flags in trust administration. Included in the materials will be useful forms and checklists.

4:25 - 4:45               Closing Remarks