PLGL-245: Estate Planning and Probate

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Business & Economics
Department
Legal Studies
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Paralegal
Course Number
245
Course Title
Estate Planning and Probate
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
ENG-131 with a C grade or better, or Instructor permission
Catalog Course Description

Examines laws relating to the control and disposition of property in anticipation of death and post-death under Michigan's Estate and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC). Covers wills, trusts, laws of intestate succession, and powers of attorney. Also covers the substantive, procedural, and practical aspects of probate practice under EPIC from the time of the notification of death through final distribution.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Property Law
    • Review and explain the different types of property ownership.
    • Distinguish probate and non-probate property.
  2. Estate and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC)
    • Identify estate planning and estate administration terms.
    • Describe the substantive provisions of EPIC.
    • Explain the laws of intestate succession.
    • Explain an heir's statutory rights under EPIC.
    • Perform estate and probate research using computer-assisted research tools.
  3. Wills
    • Identify the elements of a valid will.
    • Discuss the substantive and procedural laws pertaining to drafting a valid will under EPIC.
    • Draft a will.
  4. Trusts
    • Identify the elements of a valid trust.
    • Differentiate among different types of trusts.
    • Draft a trust.
  5. Additional Estate Planning Documents
    • Describe estate planning documents in addition to wills and trusts.
    • Describe the substantive provisions of EPIC that address guardians and conservators.
    • Draft a power of attorney and/or health care directive.
  6. Probate
    • Discuss the substantive and procedural laws of probate.
    • Perform probate research successfully using computer-assisted research tools.
    • Draft the legal forms necessary to probate a hypothetical estate.
  7. Ethics
    • Evaluate the ethical considerations and the role of the paralegal in estate planning and probate.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Students will be assessed through quizzes, tests, in-class and out-of-class assignments, drafting assignments, and/or class participation.

Effective Term
Fall 2019