Estate Planning: Principles and Problems, Third Edition

This coursebook features a case-study and problems approach in which the principles of estate planning are first introduced and then demonstrated through student analysis of short exercises and simulated client situations. A forms supplement on CD is an additional tool for giving students practice with drafting exercises.

Features:

Case studies in every chapter emphasize problems that arise in the actual estate planning process

Exercises and case studies explore a broad variety of issues , and allow great flexibility in teaching

Each chapter begins with an overview of topics covered, followed by a more detailed discussion of legal doctrines and principles

An electronic forms supplement in CD conveniently supports a drafting component to the course

The ordering of topics treats fundamental issues first, more complex issues later

Flexible organization presents a life-cycle progression reflecting the changing needs of clients from youth through old age

Coverage of federal tax issues supports those who wish to teach it and can be taught or omitted at the professor's discretion

A bibliography at the end of each chapter provides extensive reference sources New to the Third Edition:

Substantial revision to reflect the recently enacted Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010

Expanded and/or updated coverage (including new cases) to reflect other changes and developments in the law, including:

Same-sex marriage and planning

Uniform Probate Code's 2008 changes dealing with definitions of children

Durable powers of attorney and medical care directives (including "persistent vegetative state")

Retirement asset tax planning material

Trust "decanting"

Family offices and private trust companies

Pet Trusts

Expanded and updated materials regarding Dealing with Clients

Expanded discussion of values other than federal wealth transfer tax issues that clients find important and how that impacts the planning process

Revised case studies and problems

Substantially updated forms supplement on CD