Wills Trusts and Estates in Focus - 2nd Edition -Naomi R. Cahn

Wills Trusts and Estates in Focus 2nd Edition ISBN 9781543859164

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Course-Focused and Practice-Ready

Wills, Trusts, and Estates in Focus, Second Edition is designed for the full spectrum of students in a WTE course—those preparing for legal practice in trusts and estates, and those seeking a solid understanding for bar exam success. For future practitioners, the book presents realistic hypothetical scenarios that mirror actual legal practice and foster the development of essential lawyering skills. For students focused on the bar exam, the content is organized around key topics tested on the essay portion of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), with a structure that aligns closely with the foundational skills framework of the NextGen Bar Exam.

Many of the problem sets in this edition reflect foundational skills such as identifying dispositive facts, enhancing students’ ability to analyze legal issues as they would in real-world legal settings.

Clear Pedagogy and Accessible Learning

This edition offers a pedagogically sound and student-centered approach:

• Straightforward exposition and well-chosen examples promote independent comprehension.
• Concisely edited cases are presented with Case Previews and Post-Case Follow-Ups to frame each decision, highlight key issues, and support student engagement.
• Real Life Applications and end-of-chapter summaries and problem sets help students review, reinforce, and assess their understanding of both substantive law and procedural issues.

New to the Second Edition

• Expanded treatment of survival rules, with discussion of proposed revisions to the Uniform Determination of Death Act.
• Enhanced analysis of tax valuation and implications of the upcoming 2025 sunset of current estate tax provisions.
• Updated content on electronic wills and estate planning, including recent developments in remote witnessing and notarization.
• Significant new cases, such as:
  • Reynolds v. Van Den Steene – examining testamentary capacity in will contests.
  • Herbst v. Board of Regents of the University of Colorado – addressing standing in charitable trust administration.
  • Reece Trust v. Reece – interpreting standards for spousal support distributions.
  • In re Trust Under Deed of Garrison – illustrating reformation of trusts by unanimous consent.

Expert Authorship and Real-World Relevance

Professors Naomi R. Cahn, Alyssa DiRusso, and Susan Gary—respected scholars and elected Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)—bring deep expertise across WTE and related areas including elder law, family law, charitable giving, and tax.

Key features include:

• A contemporary and inclusive approach that balances doctrinal fundamentals with evolving legal developments.
• Integrated learning outcomes focusing on:
  • Mastery of substantive and procedural WTE law
  • Legal analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving
  • Professional and ethical responsibilities in WTE practice
• Practice-oriented exercises that cultivate legal research, drafting, and real-world application skills.
• Appendix materials linking doctrine to practice, including sample will contest pleadings and probate filings.

Wills Trusts and Estates in Focus Second Edition ISBN 9781543859164 & 978-1543859164