Covering Your Assets: Strategies for Future-Proof Fiduciary Decision-Making – Spring 2026

Trustees and other fiduciaries often wonder how decisions made today may open them up to the risk of litigation or other liability tomorrow. In this interactive discussion from the perspective of both litigator and planner, attendees will gain practical tools for more confident decision-making, steering clear of missteps and potential conflict. Topics will include planning strategies and provisions that minimize the risk of disputes, best practices for dealing with special reports or extraneous documents, tactics for proactive communication with beneficiaries, settlement agreement terms that insulate fiduciaries, and petitions for instructions and other proceedings as a means of safeguarding fiduciary conduct.

Date: May 18, 2026

Agenda:

3–3:05 p.m. | Introduction / Speaker Biographies / Summary

3:05–3:15 p.m. | How counsel handle no-contest/exculpatory clauses

3:15–3:20 p.m. | How trustees utilize accounting actions/statements to shorten statutes of limitations

3:20–3:25 p.m. | Effective language in settlement agreements to insulate fiduciaries

3:25–3:30 p.m. | Instances to recommend court proceedings to approve fiduciary conduct

3:30–3:40 p.m. | Underutilized tools for trustees to reduce their liability

3:40–3:48 p.m. | How a scenario where a trustee is resigning in favor of a successor trustee (i.e., the trust is continuing) would change counsel’s advice

3:48–4 p.m. | Questions

Presenters:

• Julian Zebot, Partner; Chair, Trust & Estate Litigation Group, Maslon LLP
  Julian Zebot focuses his legal practice on probate, fiduciary, and trust litigation as well as business and commercial litigation, and he chairs Maslon's Trust & Estate Litigation Group. He has counseled and represented individual and business clients in both federal and state courts as well as arbitration proceedings, and he has handled matters for clients at all stages of the litigation process, including mediation, trials, and appeals.
• Nate Ajouri, Associate, Trust & Estate Litigation Group, Maslon LLP
  Nate helps fiduciaries and individuals navigate often complex probate and estate litigation matters. He also works with a broad spectrum of organizations in business, commercial, and municipal litigation. Nate is dedicated to helping clients through all stages of the process, working closely with them to achieve their goals. He often draws upon his experiences living and studying internationally to offer a unique perspective on his clients' concerns.
• Kelley Scrocca, Counsel, Estate Planning Group, Maslon LLP
  Kelley is a highly experienced trust and estate attorney who specializes in assisting ultra high net worth clients with estate planning, asset protection planning, and complex trust administration. She has represented a wide range of individuals, from professional athletes to ranch owners to members of the U.S. Congress. Kelley works closely with both clients and their families to understand their goals, facilitate wealth transfer, and establish an enduring legacy for future generations.

Continuing Education: Maslon will seek approval with the Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education for 1.0 hour of standard CLE credit.

To register, please contact us at info@maslon.com.