A basic and fundamental course in the law of Wills and Estates, including: an examination of will planning and drafting; consequences of not having a will; steps involved in the administration of an estate; the impact of legislation dealing with basic income tax issues, matrimonial entitlement, and the support of dependants; mental incapacity issues and the appointment of substitute decision-makers for incapable persons; and the resolution of estates disputes, including a review of available alternative dispute resolution procedures.
Method of Evaluation: 100% open-book examination or 50% open-book examination and 50% term paper. If the paper/exam option is chosen, paper is due on first day of the examination period. Topic must be course-related and approved by the instructor. Grade for paper will comprise 50% of final grade if it is higher than examination grade; otherwise, course grade will be based solely on the final examination.