Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration Course

Course Description and Audience:

A trusted resource in paralegal education for more than three decades, WILLS, TRUSTS, AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION, introduces the basics of estate planning and bequeathing property through wills and trusts, along with the laws and procedures involved, including the Uniform Probate Code. In addition to substantive probate law, the course covers procedural law, tax implications, ethical considerations, and the roles paralegals and other professionals play in the process. The text’s approach helps students hone their critical thinking skills; the writing is clear and free of confusing legalese. This course is packed with student-friendly case summaries, state-specific examples, and detailed documents and exhibits.

Topics covered include:

• The Estate Plan, and the Purpose and Need for a Will.
• The Concept of Property Related to Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration.
• The Participants and the Proper Court.
• The Law of Succession: Death Testate or Intestate.
• Wills: Validity Requirements, Modification, Revocation, and Contests.
• Preparation to Draft a Will: Checklists and the Conference with the Client.
• Final Draft and Execution of a Valid Will.
• Introduction to Trusts.
• Classification of Trusts, the Living Trust, and Other Special Trusts.
• Estate Planning.
• Long-Term Care.
• Personal Representatives: Types, Pre-Probate Duties, and Appointment.
• Probate and Estate Administration.
• Informal Probate Administration.
• Tax Considerations in the Administration of Estates.
• Ethical Principles Relevant to Practicing Paralegals and Legal Assistants.

Diploma and Certificate Applications

• Sales and Service Management Diploma

eBook access included in tuition