03/15/2025

Quick Review of 2025 Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning

The 2025 Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, held from January 13-17 in Orlando, Florida, highlighted several critical themes and insights relevant to estate planning professionals. Here are the main takeaways from the conference:

Key Themes and Insights

1. **Purpose Trusts as Succession Tools**:

Purpose trusts emerged as a significant topic, particularly their role in business succession planning. These trusts can manage family businesses and other valued assets without traditional beneficiaries, focusing instead on specific purposes such as preserving family values or charitable missions[1][6][7]. This innovative approach is gaining traction among families looking to ensure the continuity of their legacies.

2. **Business Succession Planning**:

The conference emphasized the importance of effective business succession strategies. Sessions covered the use of special purpose trusts to own active businesses, providing a structured approach to maintaining a founder's mission and ensuring smooth transitions[3][4]. This area is increasingly recognized as vital for attorneys working with substantial businesses.

3. **Navigating Tax Changes**:

Attendees discussed the implications of potential changes stemming from the 2024 elections and the upcoming sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Practitioners were encouraged to prepare for a shifting tax landscape that could affect estate planning strategies[2][7].

4. **Smart Charitable Giving**:

The conference presented strategies for maximizing tax benefits through charitable giving. Techniques such as donor-advised funds and charitable trusts were highlighted as effective ways to support meaningful causes while optimizing tax outcomes[6][7].

5. **Jurisdictional Diversification**:

Presentations included discussions on jurisdictional diversification for estate planning, particularly for U.S. citizens considering international trust setups. This topic covered complex compliance issues and provided practical advice for navigating international estate planning challenges[3][4].

6. **Technological Integration in Estate Planning**:

There was a noticeable increase in technology firms at the conference, indicating a trend towards integrating technology into estate planning practices to enhance efficiency and client experiences[1].

These insights reflect ongoing trends in estate planning, emphasizing a blend of traditional strategies with innovative approaches tailored to modern needs and regulatory environments.

Citations:

[1] https://www.wealthmanagement.com/estate-planning/key-takeaways-from-heckerling-2025

[2] https://shenkmanlaw.com/?webinars=heckerling-review-2025

[3] https://meltzerlippe.com/articles/key-takeaways-from-heckerling-2025/

[4] https://www.prosperityea.com/insights/2025-estate-planning-insights-heckerling

[5] https://interactivelegal.com/heckerling-themes-and-takeaways-reviewing-the-most-important-topics-discussed-at-the-2025-institute-and-more/

[6] https://moonanstratton.com/three-estate-planning-takeaways-from-the-2025-heckerling-institute/

[7] https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewerskine/2025/01/21/key-insights-from-the-59th-heckerling-institute-on-estate-planning-navigating-the-future-in-2025-and-beyond/

[8] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shannonishiring_key-takeaways-from-heckerling-2025-activity-7289293446601662464-4hZA

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