Fundamentals of Trusts and Estates

The updated version of this innovative casebook contains numerous notes, questions, and problems that illuminate both the human and the doctrinal dramas, often by placing students in various roles. These problems and questions help students develop skills and values to carry throughout their professional lives. In addition, Fundamentals of Trusts and Estates includes excerpted readings, bibliographical references, sample documents, and provisions from Uniform Codes, Restatements, and other primary sources. Policy debates, ethical issues, and practical considerations are woven throughout the material.

The first chapter provides overviews of the wealth transfer and the transfer tax systems. Chapters on intestacy and wills develop the basic doctrines upon which the system depends. To facilitate an understanding of the laws movement toward integration, will substitutes are covered before discussing the problems caused by changed circumstances and the devices for protecting the family. Coverage of problems involving planning for incapacity serves as a bridge to coverage of trust doctrine expanded to highlight recent developments. Fundamentals of Trusts and Estates closes with topics traditionally designated future interests, as well as a chapter on fiduciary administration.