Course overview
Acquaints students with the basic principles of the devolution and distribution of property upon death of the owner. Death is a major occasion for the transfer of property and the principles relating to it form an important part of any legal practice. Whilst the course concentrates upon the rules and practice relating to devolution of property on death, various aspects of social policy are considered. The following topics will be covered: wills; distribution upon intestacy; family provision; probate and administration and succession law in practice.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply the fundamental concepts of the law of South Australia for the administration and devolution of inheritable property of a deceased person.
- Identify, research, analyse and evaluate complex legal issues relating to the administration and devolution of inheritable property of a deceased person and consider how these issues may be resolved in an ethical manner.
- Apply knowledge of important contemporary issues in succession law including wills, distribution upon intestacy, family provision, probate and administration, special considerations for assets in foreign jurisdictions and other selected issues.
- Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to resolve succession law issues and communitate them effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Apply knowledge of the relationship between succession law and other areas of law including taxation, estate and business succession planning, family law, property law, contract law, superannuation law and law of trusts.
- Conduct independent research on legal and policy issues in succession law.