New and Updated Course Descriptions

LAW 274 - Estate Planning and Probate

3 Credits

Introduces students to the concepts and forms necessary for estate planning and estate and trust administration. Students learn to assist the attorney with a variety of tasks, from opening the estate and appointment of a fiduciary to filing of final account and distribution of assets. Forms, checklists, and deadlines for Federal and New York income, estate, and gift taxation laws and regulations are emphasized. Probate practice is an important area of employability of paralegals. A basic foundation in New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Law, Uniform Court Rules, and the procedures and forms used in Surrogate's Court Practice will increase a paralegal's value to the firm.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of PLS 260 or LAW 101 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of program director.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate fact patterns involving wills, estates, and trusts.
2. Explain the procedures for filing a voluntary administration of small estates.
3. Explain the filing procedures for the probate of an estate.
4. Explain the procedures for filing estate taxes.

Course Offered Fall