AzNAELA 2026 Symposium Registration Form

Registration Desk Open

Nora Jones, AzNAELA President

Join Nora Jones, Vanessa Heim, and Krysta Furnell for a timely discussion of emerging litigation trends shaping elder law practice in Arizona. Designed for attorneys representing older adults, vulnerable adults, fiduciaries, families, and related parties, this program will examine hot topics at the intersection of elder law, litigation, and rapidly evolving legal practice. The presenters will address the growing use of artificial intelligence in court proceedings, the enforceability and strategic implications of arbitration provisions in elder law contexts, and other cutting-edge issues affecting contested matters involving capacity, exploitation, fiduciary duties, guardianships, conservatorships, and long-term care disputes. Attendees will gain practical insight into developing risks, advocacy considerations, and litigation strategies for navigating this changing landscape.

Every client enters your office logical, calm, understanding the legal process, the associated costs, and they are ready to work. Right? As you are aware, there are many historical factors that twist into emotional or behavioral “knots” and your approach can be the difference between the growth or unraveling of a professional-client relationship. During this session, Dr. Sharon A. Bell, PsyD will provide a brief, surface understanding of those “knots” and provide professionals with quick techniques to guide an individual or family currently navigating a difficult journey without needing to become a diagnostic psychologist or counseling therapist.

Join Vanessa Kanaga. Esq. for a practical exploration of trust decanting — the powerful tool that allows practitioners to modify the terms of an irrevocable trust by distributing assets into a new trust with updated provisions. This session will cover when and how Arizona practitioners can use decanting to address changed circumstances, correct drafting issues, update administrative provisions, and better serve beneficiaries with evolving needs. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for identifying decanting opportunities in elder law and estate planning contexts, navigating statutory requirements, and avoiding common pitfalls that can jeopardize the intended benefits.

Navigating the Conservatorship accounting process can be difficult for both the attorney and the client. The reporting requirements are difficult even in otherwise straightforward cases. Brian Starr will join us to share tips and best practices for helping your client obtain approval of conservatorship accountings, and will address, among others: (i) the initial client meeting, (ii) identifying and marshaling Conservatorship assets, (iii) assisting clients with tracking and documenting income and expenses, (iv) budget, inventory, and valuation issues, (v) submission of the Conservatorship accounting for court review and approval, (vi) addressing concerns identified by a Court Accountant, and (vii) maintaining the appropriate level of notice to interested parties throughout the accounting process.

In this interactive CLE program, Nancy Greenlee will answer the real-world ethics questions elder law attorneys face when representing aging clients, individuals with diminished capacity, fiduciaries, and families in complex planning or contested matters. Driven by questions submitted by attendees in advance, the session will offer practical guidance on client capacity, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, fiduciary duties, and preserving client-centered representation when professional obligations are unclear or competing. Submit your most pressing elder law ethics questions by October 2, 2026 to Nora Jones at [email protected].