Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration for the Paralegal: The Essentials

Description

A practical approach, illustrating legal principles through examples, exercises, legal, forms, checklists, and actual drafts of wills and trusts. Learners are exposed to detailed procedures and are prepared for everyday practical duties of the paralegal through comprehensive, authoritative coverage. Blend of theory and practice balances the need for understanding concepts and law and the need to be able to apply it.

J.D., University of Minnesota

The purpose and Need for a Will. The Concept of Property Relating to Wills, Trusts, and State Administration. The Participants and the Proper Court. The Law of Succession: Death Testate or Intestate. Wills: Validity Requirements, Modifications, Revocations, and Contests. Preparing to Draft a Will: Checklists and the Conference with the Client. Drafting and Executing a Valid, Legal Will. Introduction to Trusts. Classification of Trusts, the Living Trust, and Other Special Trusts. Estate Planning. 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 Legal Assistants. Appendices.