Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 College Catalog 
    
2021-2022 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PAR 204 - Wills, Trusts, and Estates

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Concepts and procedures of wills, trusts and estate planning for paralegals. Includes Arizona statutes and rules, probate and non-probate property, testate or intestate succession, will drafting and execution, will-related documents and advance directives, trusts, estate administration and related legal actions.

Prerequisite(s): PAR 101  
Information: Prerequisite(s) may be waived if employed in a legal-related field; see a PAR advisor or course instructor.
  button image Prior Learning and link to PLA webpage

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the relationship of wills, trusts and estates to a person’s death and the procedures in wills, trusts and estate administration that can be delegated to a paralegal.
  2. Discuss the effect of Arizona statutes, rules and laws on wills, trusts and estate administration.
  3. Classify probate and non-probate property.
  4. Discuss testacy and explain the ramifications of dying intestate.
  5. Identify what constitutes a valid will and draft provisions and clauses in a will.
  6. Discuss will related documents and explain their purpose.
  7. Identify various types of trusts and explain how they are constructed, administered and terminated.
  8. Explain probate administration and related legal actions.

Outline:
  1. Introduction to Wills, Trusts, and Estates
    1. Life and death
    2. Concept of an estate
    3. Purpose and need for a will
    4. Paralegal’s Role and Responsibilities
  2. Arizona Statutes and Rules
    1. Wills
    2. Trust
    3. Estates
  3. Probate and Non-Probate Property
    1. Classification and definition
    2. Forms of property and ownership
    3. Probate versus non-probate
  4. Testate or Intestate Succession
    1. Types of dispositions
    2. Methods of distribution and Per Stirpes v. Per Capita
    3. Dying intestate
    4. Relationship of the heir to the decedent
    5. Escheat
    6. Other family rights
    7. Other issues affecting distribution of the estate
  5. Will Drafting and Execution
    1. Validity and statutory requirements
    2. Elements
    3. Changing or revoking
    4. Contests
    5. Preparation and drafting
    6. Execution
  6. Will Related Documents and Advance Directives
    1. History of the right to die
    2. Validity and statutory requirements
    3. Living wills and Do Not Resuscitate Orders
    4. Durable Powers of Attorney (financial and medical)
    5. Anatomical gifts
    6. Funeral arrangements
  7. Trusts
    1. Validity and statutory requirements
    2. Elements
    3. Classifications
    4. Changing or terminating
    5. Preparation and drafting
    6. Pour-over-wills
    7. Specialized trusts
  8. Estate Administration and Related Actions
    1. Preliminary duties of the law office
    2. Small estate administration
    3. Probate Court and uniform laws
    4. Personal representative powers and duties
    5. Informal, formal, and ancillary probate administration
    6. Tax considerations


Effective Term:
Spring 2016