LAW 7086 :
Decedents' Estates & Trusts

This introductory course deals with wealth distribution taking place while a client is alive and upon the client's death. Topics considered at length include intestate succession, testamentary dispositions, will substitutes, construction problems, private express trusts, constructive and resulting trusts. The course addresses assorted transactions that have an impact on the transmission or use of a client's wealth, including marriage, divorce, the birth of children (through both traditional and unconventional methods), long-term disability, organ donation, and similar events. The course includes not only an exploration of the law, but also understanding of the human environment in which these transactions occur, and the psychological, counseling, and communicative overtones that permeate practice in this area. The problem method of instruction will be used for most topics. Grades will be based in part on a regular, open-book final examination, and in part on semester exercises, such as take-home assignments and/or "mini-exams." For Professor Maule's Section:A student response system is used for class participation. Semester exercises will also include in-class tests using the student response system. Exam Info: Exam administered during exam period.