Wills, Trusts, and Estates – PLST 235

CG • Section 8WK • 01/03/2020 to 06/11/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

A study of the basic devices in gratuitous transfers, including the will and trust; selected problems in class gifts, and will and trust substitutes; and social restrictions upon the power of testation, the formation of property interests, and the trust device.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of this class is to introduce the student to the law governing wills, trusts, and estates administration. Paralegal professionals often play an important role in drafting wills, trusts, and related documents in the probate and estate administration process. Therefore, this course is designed to expose the student to the legal issues encountered in this field of law and the related documents used by legal professionals to meet the needs of clients.

Course Assignment

Textbook, article, blog, and scripture readings; lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Three Discussions will be posted in order to generate interaction among students in regard to relevant current course topics. The student is required to post 1 thread of at least 250 words. The student must also post 2 replies of at least 150 words. For each thread, the student must support his/her assertions with at least 3 citations, in current Bluebook format. Each reply should cite at least 1 source, also in current Bluebook format. Acceptable sources include your textbook, the Bible, and one more scholarly, academic source—for the purposes of this class, posts to the blog www.rodneychrisman.com will be considered scholarly, academic sources in order to integrate a proper Christian worldview.

Social Security Writing Assignment

The student will write a paper of at least 500 words integrating biblical perspectives as they relate to social security. The student will support his/her writing with at least 2 scholarly, academic sources. The paper must be completed in current Bluebook format.

Your Will and Related Documents Assignment

The student will draft a simple will, advance directives, power of attorney, and other related documents as indicated in the assignment instructions.

Case Study Quizzes (3)

The student will complete three case studies that integrate knowledge and application.

Quizzes (4)

The student will complete 4 quizzes, each consisting of 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions. All quizzes are open-book, open-notes; however, be advised that there is a time limit of 90 minutes. The student may not receive help from another person while taking the quiz.