To assist practitioners in responding to these new law changes, renowned WG&L author and estate planning practitioner Howard Zaritsky has written Practical Estate Planning in 2011 and 2012.

This new treatise provides in-depth practical advice on what can and should be done to plan estates in 2011 and 2012, as well as guidance on electing out of the estate tax regime for 2010 decedents. Howard Zaritsky offers many strategies that preserve the greatest flexibility to deal with the unknown and uncertain future of the estate, GST, and gift taxes. Over 200 examples are provided, to explain application of the new law's provisions and illustrate effective strategies. Nearly every chapter includes drafting tips and sample provisions that can be used to avoid or adapt to the uncertainties existing in 2011 and 2012. The treatise also contains several sample wills and trust instruments that implement his strategies.

Practical Estate Planning in 2011 and 2012 includes:

• A technical analysis of the 2010 Tax Relief Act
• Guidance on whether to make the election out of the estate tax regime for estates of 2010 decedents
• An explanation of the key changes that should be made in testamentary estate planning during 2011 and 2012, including how to plan with the new rules on portability
• An explanation of the key changes that should be made in lifetime estate planning in 2011 and 2012, including taking advantage of the newly enlarged gift and GST tax exemptions, dealing with clients who are reluctant donors, and making the most of the current rules on valuation discount planning
• Directions on how the new rules will affect many other areas of estate planning, including life insurance, retirement benefits, and asset protection
• Appendix A, which contains complete sample wills and trust instruments