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ACTEC 2025 Fall Seminar
When: October 21, 2025
Location: Austin, Texas
People: Carole M. Bass

Carole Bass spoke on a panel discussion, "Helicopter Parents, Pre-Nups and Plans," at the ACTEC (The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel) 2025 Fall Seminar in Austin, Texas, on October 21, 2025. 

This session explored the complex intersection of legal ethical rules, privilege, and the challenges of navigating parental involvement in a client’s legal matters. Carole and her fellow panelists discussed how to best address parents who become intimately involved in their children’s planning and divorce discussions, including attendance at meetings with attorneys. This can often include parents paying legal fees and participating in the structuring of the plan, which can lead to deposition testimony that “my parents wanted this.” The discussion provided practical guidance on maintaining professional boundaries, protecting privilege, and managing the ethical implications of third-party involvement.