Wills and the Administration of Estates concerns those principles related to property when a person dies. The legal requirements for making a valid will are explored together with what is to occur if a person dies without making a declaration of their testamentary intention. Associated concepts include the granting of probate, duties and powers of executors and administrators together with the alteration and interpretation of a will.

Unit details

Location:
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
BLB4146

Prerequisites

BLB1101 - Australian Legal System in Context

BLB1114 - Legal Research Methods

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Collaborate and critically review the cultural values expressed in the law of succession in the context of multicultural Australia;  
  2. Implement the legal requirements involved in making a valid will exemplifying professional judgment;  
  3. Theorise the principles that are relevant to interpretation of a valid will to a range of professional and non-professional audiences;  
  4. Canvass the process of administrating an estate where there is no valid will in wide ranging circumstances; and  
  5. Postulate the proper role of the law when challenging dispositions made by a testator/testatorix.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Test Online quiz 10%
Assignment Research Essay 40%
Examination Final Examination 50%

Required reading

Principles of Australian Succession Law
Mackie K, 2017
Butterworths LexisNexis

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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