Friday, May 16, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
In-person Event
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd
Acme, MI 49610
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is proud to sponsor the 65th Annual Probate & Estate Planning Institute seminar cohosted by the Probate & Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Warner attorneys Scott DeWeerd, Mark Harder and David Skidmore join other national and regional business leaders who will present during the three-day conference.
DeWeerd, who concentrates his legal practice on trusts and estates, asset protection and tax planning, will discuss the June 6, 2024, U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Connelly v. United States, a decision with far-reaching implications for estate tax valuations and business planning. His presentation, “Connelly and Business Succession Planning in 2025,” will examine this pivotal case that’s reshaped how life insurance proceeds are factored into the valuation of closely held corporations upon a shareholder’s death.
Harder, a former chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Probate and Estate Planning Council who served as reporter and chair of the Michigan Trust Code Committee, will join the plenary session panel “The Ultimate Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) Q&A: 25 Years of Progress and Pain Points.” The panel, which includes Hon. David M. Murkowski, Chief Judge, Kent County Probate Court, will use a Q&A format to trace the history of EPIC and the Michigan Trust Code to identify common themes from lingering questions.
At Warner, Harder concentrates his practice on estate planning and administration for high-net-worth individuals and in the representation of family-owned businesses and their owners.
Skidmore, a former chair of the State Bar of Michigan's Probate and Estate Planning Council, concentrates his practice on probate, trust, estate, fiduciary and real property disputes and litigation. He will present a “Caselaw Update” on the event’s final day to discuss new legal developments impacting the estate planning and probate industry.
The conference begins Thursday, May 15 at noon with registration and a vendor showcase. Guests can explore the exhibitor hall during the event and will have networking opportunities throughout the day and at evening receptions.
For more information on the event, please click here.
