ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL OF NORTH TEXAS

BREAKFAST MEETING 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Breakfast served 7:30-8:00 a.m.

Program 8:00-9:00 a.m.

GLENEAGLES COUNTRY CLUB (5401 West Park Blvd., Plano)

Registration Deadline: MARCH 10 (5:00 p.m.)

REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE

WALK-INS ARE NOT GUARANTEED A MEAL. CASH OR CHECK AT THE DOOR

Member: $30

Guest: $40

LITIGATION INVOLVING POWERS OF APPOINTMENTS

This presentation explores the often overlooked but increasingly litigated area of powers of appointment in estate and trust law. It begins by defining key terms—donor, donee, appointee, and taker-in-default—and classifies powers of appointment as general or non-general, and as presently exercisable, testamentary, or postponed. The presentation will emphasize the complexity of standing, particularly when a party is a contingent beneficiary, taker-in-default, or potential appointee. We will review litigation involving both the creation and exercise of powers of appointment, highlighting challenges based on lack of intent, improper formalities, or conflict with the donor’s restrictions. Several Texas cases are examined to illustrate common disputes and outcomes. Practical drafting tips and statutory provisions will be discussed to help avoid or withstand future litigation.

Brandy Baxter-Thompson established Baxter-Thompson Law, PLLC to help clients with all manner of disputes involving estate, trust, and guardianship litigation.  She is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is a frequent speaker and author for State Bar of Texas CLE programs and national conferences such as the Hawaii Tax Institute. She has served on the Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law (REPTL) Section’s Guardianship Committee and on planning committees for the State Bar’s Advanced Estate Planning and Probate Course, Fiduciary Litigation Course, Advanced Guardianship Course, and Estate Planning & Probate Drafting Course. An active bar leader, Brandy is Immediate Past President of the Dallas Probate American Inn of Court and served as Chair of the Dallas Bar Association’s Probate, Trust & Estate Section in 2023–2024, where she led the 2024 North Texas Probate Bench Bar Conference. Her service has earned her multiple honors, including the Hon. Nikki DeShazo Pro Bono Award, the Ken Fuller Outstanding Mentor Attorney Award and recognition as the Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program.

Continuing education credit for attorneys, accountants and financial planners is pending for this meeting. The handout will be available on the website under the document library a few days prior to the presentation.

REGISTER WITH THE LINK BELOW

We would like to thank the following Sponsors for their support for 2025-2026: Argent Trust, Armanino, Communities Foundation of Texas, Frost Bank, Glast Phillips Murray Zopolsky, Lindquist Eisenberg LLP, North Dallas Bank & Trust, Regions Bank, Texas Bank & Trust, The Catholic Foundation, Value, Inc, American National Bank & Trust, Texas Health Resources Foundation, Prosperity Bank, Heritage Auctions, Saville CPAs & Advisors, Wealth Advisors Trust Company, Weeks Law Firm, Happy Trust and Farmers National Company.

IMPORTANT: Sign in Sheets will not be available at the meeting. The continuing ed links are provided with receipt - save the links for the day of the meeting 

PAYMENT IS REQUIRED AT TIME OF REGISTRATION

$30 - Member 

$40 - Guest 

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