2013FALL TRUSTS&WILLS

BALLARD

Trusts&WillsOutline

Professor: MeganBallard
Text: Wills,Trusts,andEstates(9thEdition)byDukeminier

I. POLICYOFWILLS&TRUSTS
A. TestamentaryFreedom
1. General:legalnormandlegalcultureofgivingpropertyawayatdeath
2. Limits
a) Disruptordiscouragefamilyrelationships
b) Encourageapersontoengageinacrimeortort
c) Destructionofpersonalproperty
3. ShapiravUnionNationalBank
a) Facts:JewishFatherswillleftpropertytothreechildrenincluding
daughterandsons.Conditionontheinheritanceisthatthesonsmarrya
jewishwomanw/jewparents
b) Holding
(1) Freedomoftestationallowsthistransferbecauseitdoesviolate
beneficiarysrights
(2) Testatorisableto
(3) Notinvalidrestraintonreligionormarriagehejustmightnot
getthemoney
c) Issues
(1) Istheconditionunconstitutional?
(a) No,thereisnostateactionenforcingreligiousormarital
action
(2) Isthisanunreasonablerestraintonmarriage?
(a) No,theconditiondoesnotrestrainorcoercethe
religiouspractice.
B. Testators(decedents)Intent
1. Thecourtswillgiveweighttothetestatorsintentwhenmakingdecisionsabout
willinterpretingthelaw
2. Intentisascertainedbyexaminingany
a) Documentation,and
b) SurroundingCircumstances,e.g.:
(1) FamilySituation

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(2) Actsdonewithknowledgeofimpendingdeath
(3) Placementormanagementofproperty
C. WillFormation
1. EvidentiaryFunction
2. RitualFunction
3. ChannelingFunction
4. ProtectiveFunction
II. INTESTACY
A. MechanicsofaSuccession
1. ProbatevsNonprobateProperty
a) Probate
(1) Rule:allpropertyisprobatepropertyunlessspecifiedotherwise
(2) Propertyisdistributedunderwillorlawsofintestacy
b) NonProbate
(1) Rule:thereneedstobesomeauthoritytotakepropertyoutside
ofprobateforittobenonprobate
(2) Examples
(a) Intervivostrusts
(b) Jointtenancieswiththerightofsurvivorship
(c) Contracts
(i) LifeInsurance
(ii) EmployeeBenefitPlan
(iii) PayOnDeath(POD)accounts
(3) MostJurisdictions:awillcannotpasspropertyoutofprobate
(a) Exception:inWA,aSuperWillcantransfer
nonprobatepropertyaswellasprobate
2. ProbateProcess
a) Problems:probateiscostly
b) Whetherornottoprobateconsiderations:
(1) Typeofpropertyinvolved
(a) Isevidenceoftitlenecessarytotransferproperty?
(b) RealProperty=probate
(2) Creditors
(a) Arethereunknowncreditors
(b) Probateexcludescreditorswhodonotfileclaims
(3) FamilyDynamics
(a) Iseveryoneamenableandlikelytoagree?
3. CommunityProperty
a) RCW26.16.030:allpropertythatisnotseparatepropertyis

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communityproperty
b) SeparateProperty
(1) RCW26.16.010:propertyisseparateifacquired:
(a) BeforeMarriage
(b) AfterMarriageifby
(i) Gift
(ii) Bequest:personalpropertythroughwill
(iii) Devise:realpropertythroughwill
(iv) Descent:intestacy
(v) Inheritance:intestacy
(vi) Rent,issue,orprofitofpreviouslyacquired
separateproperty
c) Commingling
(1) Whenseparatepropertyismingledwithcommunityproperty
(2) Presumptionthatanythingthatcannotbeprovenasseparateis
thereforecommunity
d) Management&Control
(1) RCW26.13.030:Neitherspousemay
(a) DeviseorbequeathbywillmorethanonehalfofCP
(b) GiveawayCPwithoutconsent(expressorimplied)
(c) Sell,convey,orencumberrealCPwithoutspouse
joininginexecutionofdeed
(d) Contracttopurchaserealpropertywithoutspouse
(e) CreatesecurityinterestinCPwithoutspouse
(f) Doanyoftheaboveforpropertyofabusinesswhere
bothspousessharemanagement
e) Migration
(1) Migratedpropertymaybeeitherprobateornonprobate
(2) Propertyretainsseparate/communityidentityaftermigration
4. Intestacy
a) Generally:statutedetermineshowpropertyispassedonwhenthe
decedenthasnowill.
b) UPC2102&103
(1) SnoDnoP=AlltoS
(2) SD
(a) IfallDarealsoSs=AlltoS
(b) IfDarealsoSs&ShasotherD=$225,000plushalf
toS,otherhalftoD
(c) IfoneormoreDarenotSs=$150,000plushalftoS,

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otherhalftoD
(3) SnoDP=$300,000plustoSothertoP
(4) noSD=alltoD(percapitaateachgeneration)
(5) noSnoDP=alltoP
(6) noSnoDnoPDofP=alltoDofP(percapitaateach
generation)
(7) noSnoDnoPnoDofPGorGD
(a) IfbothmaternalandpaternalG&GD=halftopaternal
GorGDandhalftomaternalGorGD(alltoGor,if
none,percapitatoGD)
(b) IfonlyonesideofGorGD:alltoGorGDonthatside
(8) noSnoDnoPnoDofPnoGnoGD=stepchildrenor,if
none,thenescheattothestate
c) Washington
(1) Spouse
(a) Allofthedecedentsshareofcommunityproperty
AND
(b) YesIssue:Halfofdecedentsseparateproperty
(c) NoIssue/YesParents/IssueofP:ofseparate
(d) NoIssue/NoParents/IssueofP:Allseparate
(2) Issue:splitequallybyrightofrepresentation(modernper
stirpes)
(3) Parent:alltotheparentorparents
(4) IssueofParents:splitequallybymodernperstirpes
(5) Grandparents:splitbetweenmaternal/paternal
(6) IssueofGrandparents:splitequallybetweenmaternal&
paternalthenbymodernperstirpes
d) Representation
(1) Generally:Allowsustofigureoutwhoisgoingtotakeashareif
someoneinaninheritingclasspredeceased.
(2) StrictPerStirpes(EnglishPerStirpes)
(a) Dividesharesbygiving1shareto
(i) Eachlivingchildofdecedent
(ii) Eachdeceasedchildofdecedentwhohasliving
issue
(b) Dividesharesateverygeneration
(3) ModernPerStirpes(AmericanPerStirpes)
(a) Dividesharesbygiving1shareto
(i) Eachlivingchildofdecedent

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(ii) Eachdeceasedchildofdecedentwhohasliving
issue
(b) Skipanygenerationwithnolivingdescendants
(4) PerCapitaatEachGeneration(UPC)
(a) Dividesharesbygiving1sharetoeachdescendantin
thegenerationnearestdecedent
(b) Forsharesofadeceaseddescendant:
(i) Disperseequallytoalldescendantsofthe
followinggeneration
(ii) Repeatuntilallsharesaredistributed
(c) Example:AdiesB,C,DareAschildrenBandCare
deadwhenAdiesEisBschildF&GareCs
childrenDisAsonlylivingchild.
(i) Dtakes1/3
(ii) E,F,andGtake2/9each
e) StepChildren
(1) Childrenofaspousethathavenotbeenadopted
(2) UPC:2103(b)Stepchildrenmaytakeiftheestatewould
otherwiseescheattothestate.
f) HalfBlood
(1) Siblingswhoonlyhaveasingleparentincommon
(2) UPC:2107Halfbloodrelativesareconsideredfullblooded
relatives.
g) SimultaneousDeath
(1) Generally:thesimultaneousdeathofpeoplecancomplicate
estatedistributionandleadtoundesiredresults
(2) UPC2104&2702:heir,devisee,orlifeinsurance
beneficiarywhodoesnotsurvivethedecedentby120hoursis
deemedtopredecease
(3) Washington
(a) RCW11.05A.020:Whenpeoplediesimultaneously
(within120hours)theotherindividualispresumedto
predecease
(b) Clearandconvincingevidencerequired
(c) Doesnotapplyifstatewouldtakeintestateshareasa
result
h) TransferstoChildren
(1) UPC
(a) 2116:aparentchildrelationshipcanbeestablished

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byanyshowingofarelationship
(b) 2118:adoptioncreatesaparentchildrelationship
(c) 2119:thereisarebuttablepresumptionthatan
adoptedchilddoesnottakefromgeneticparents
unless:
(i) Adoptedbystepparent
(ii) Adoptedbyfamilymemberofgeneticparent
(iii) Bothparentsdiedbeforeadoption
(2) AdoptedChildren
(a) HallvVallandingham
(i) Issue:DotheMarylandlawsofintestacyallow
biologicalnephewsorniecestotakethrougha
biologicalfatherafterbeingadoptedbya
stepfather?
(ii) Holding:No,adoptionisalegalrebirthandso
thechildisseveredfromgeneticparents
(iii) Reasoning
(a) Statehasabsolutepowertoregulate
intestacy
(b) Tiesbetweenadoptedchildrenand
biologicalparentswouldallow
doubledipping
(3) AdoptedAdult
(a) MinaryvCitizensFidelityBank&TrustCo.
(i) Issue1:shouldanadoptedchild,takethrough
anadoptedparent?
(ii) Issue2:doesthefactthattheadoptedchild
wasanadultwhenadoptedinfluence
distribution?
(iii) Holding:Adoptionofanadultforthepurpose
ofbringingthatpersonunderthetermsofa
preexistingtestamentisnotallowed.
(iv) Reasoning:
(a) IntentoftheTestator
(b) PowerofAppointment
(i) Flexibleplanningtool
(ii) Powergrantedbythedonor
(iii) Mostoftenplacedinatrust
(iv) Enablesthatpersontoselect

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thatpersontoselectthenext
generationofbeneficiaries
(v) Mustbeoptional
(4) PosthumouslyBornChildren
(a) Generally:achildisalivefromconceptionforpurposes
ofinheritance
(b) Usedtodetermineifaninuterochildtakesunder
intestacyorwill
(c) Rebuttablepresumptionthatthegestationperiodofa
childis280daysandaslongasthechildisbornwithin
280daysofthedateofdeaththentheytake.
(d) UPAifchildbornwithin300daysofthedeathofthe
mothershusband,babyispresumedtobehusbands
child
(5) PosthumouslyConceivedChildren
(a) ShouldPCchildrentakefromtheirparents?Yes.
(i) UniformParentageActIfthereisasigned
recordshowingconsentoftheparentto
conceivethechild.
(ii) UPCConsentandtiming
(b) ShouldPCchildrentakefromotherrelativesestates?
Maybe.
(i) InReMartinB.
(a) ArePCchildrenissueforthepurpose
oftakingfromGrandpasestate?Yes.
(b) Allmembersofthebloodlinetakea
share
(c) Lawstrikesbalancebetweenfinalityin
estateadministrationandrightsofa
descendant
(ii) UPCYes,if
(a) parentconsentedinwritingorbyclear
andconvincingAND
(b) thechildisinuterowithin36monthsor
bornwithin45monthsofparentsdeath
(6) SurrogacyandSameSexMarriedCouples
(a) Statesareallovertheboard
(7) Advancements
(a) Generally:intervivosgiftthatcountsagainsttheheirs

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intestateshareof
(b) Elements
(i) LifetimeGift
(ii) Giventoheirwhowouldotherwisetake
(c) UPC(2109)
(i) Presumptionthatitisnotanadvancement
(ii) Presumptionrebuttedbycontemporaneous
writingfromdecedentorrecipient,
acknowledgingthatitisanadvancement(word
advancementnotnecessary)
(iii) Donotcountaparentsadvancementagainsta
childtakingthroughthatparentby
representation
(a) ifrecipientdiesbeforedecedent
(b) Advancementsaremadetoanyheir
(d) Hotchpot:themeansofaccountingforanadvancement
in
(i) Option1:decidetopartakeintheestateand
havetheadvancementcountagainstthe
inheritance
(ii) Option2:takewhatwasgivenanddonottake
anymorefromtheestate.
(8) PropertyManagementOptions
(a) GuardianshipofProperty
(i) GuardianofPerson:differentfromproperty
Guardianship.
(a) Personresponsibleforaminorscare
(b) UPC5201to5210
(ii) RequiresCourtapprovalmakingitcumbersome
andexpensive
(iii) Likeacontinuousprobateuntilthechild
reachestheageofmajority.
(b) Conservatorship
(i) Conservatorhassimilarpowerstoatrustee
(ii) AnnualaccountingwithCourtrequired
(iii) UPCArt.V
(iv) UniformGuardianshipandProtective
ProceedingAct(UGPPA)
(c) Custodianship

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(i) Duty:usethepropertyforthebenefitofthe
minor
(ii) UniformTransfertoMinorAct(UTMA)
(iii) Planningtoolfornonwealthyfamilies
(iv) Actslikeatrustbuteasier
(v) Custodiandoesnothaveasonerousofa
fiduciarydutyasatrustee
(vi) Custodianmustusethetrustforthebenefitof
thebeneficiary
(vii) Whenchildturns18or21thenthechildgets
theremaining(usually21)
(d) Trusteeship
(i) Mostflexiblepropertyarrangement
i) BarstoSuccession
(1) SlayerRule
(a) Slayer:someonewhoisaprincipaloraccessoryinthe
willfulandunlawfulkillingofanotherperson
(b) UPC2803
(i) Slayer is treated as disclaiming any right to
victim/decedentsestate
(c) RCW11.84.030
(i) SlayerorAbuseristreatedashaving
predeceasedthevictim/decedent
(d) InreEstateofMahoney
(i) EssentiallythefirstcommonlawSlayerRule.
(ii) Unjustenrichmentpolicy
(iii) CourtestablishedaConstructiveTrustafter
wifekilledherhusband.Heronlyresponsibility
wastoimmediatelytransferthehusbands
propertytotherightfulinheritors.
(2) Disclaimer
III. WILLS
A. FORMATION
1. AttestedWill
a) Requirements
(1) InWriting
(2) SignedbyTestator
(3) Attested
(a) Attested

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(i) Signaturesplacedonwillitself
(ii) Noneedforformalwordsofattestation
(iii) PROBLEM:witnessesmayhavetotestify
duringwillcontest,butmaybedead
(b) AttestationClause
(i) Declarationofthecircumstancesaroundthewill
signing
(ii) Presumptionofdueexecution
(iii) Mayhavetotestifyaboutsigning
(c) AffidavitofAttestation
(i) 1Step:Witnessessignanaffidavitonly
(ii) 2Step:Witnesses
(a) signaffidavitAND
(b) signwillitself
b) WitnessPresence
(1) LineofSightawitnessmustbewithinthetestatorslineof
sightwhensigningthewill
(2) ConsciousPresenceiftestatorisconsciousthatthewitnessis
signingthewill
(3) UPCNopresencerequirement
c) Willhasnolegalimportuntiltestatordies
d) Ancillaryprobatemayberequiredforrealpropertyinanotherstate
e) PURGINGSTATUTE
(1) Attestationofthewillbyaninterestedwitnessgivesrisetoa
presumptionoffraudunlesstherearetwodisinterested
beneficiaries
(2) Witnessmayrebutthepresumption(WA)
(a) IFnotadequatelyrebutted,thewitnessmaynottake
underthewill(purged)
(3) UPCNoproblemwithinterestedwitnessesattestingawill
(4) Morea:courtdeterminedthatsonmaybeconsidereda
disinterestedwitnessbecausehetakesmoreunderintestate
thanunderthewill
2. HolographicWill
a) UPC2502:validifthesignatureandmaterialportionsofthedocument
areinthetestatorshandwriting.
b) HolographicwillsarenotrecognizedasavalidwillinWashingtonunless
recognizedbyRCW11.12.020.
3. NotarizedWill
a) UPC2502(a)(3)
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(1) thewillisvalidifitisacknowledgedbythetestatorinfrontofa
notary,aslongasitmeetstheotherrequirementssetforthinthis
sectionforattestedwills.
b) ProsofNotarizedWills:
(1) Notarizedwillservesthefunctionsoftheformalities.
(2) Other documents that accompany a will have to be notarized,
but not witnessed.Therefore,itwouldlogicallyfollowthatawill
couldorshouldbenotarizedaswell.
(3) Everyone thinks you can do it, so the law should reflect the
general publics understanding of what notarizing is and what it
does.
c) ConsofNotarizedWills:
(1) Notariesdonothavetotestifyasmuch.
(2) Interestednotaryproblems.
(3) Moreselfhelpwillsandmistakesoflaw.
4. OutofStateWills
a) FullFaith&Creditgiventootherstateslaws&wills
b) WA:RCW11.12.020allowsrecognitionofwillsproperlyexecutedin
thestateoftestatorsdomicileorplacewhereexecutionoccurred.
5. MistakesinExecution
a) StrictCompliance(Pavlinko)(Groffman)(Casdorph)
(1) Definition:whenexecutionmustcomplywithallofthe
formalitieswithoutexception
(2) Courtsdonthaveauthoritytoreformwills
(3) Pavlinko
(a) Spousessigneachotherswills
(b) Termsidentical
(c) Probaterefused
b) SubstantialCompliance(Snide)
(1) Awillisvalidifthecourtisconvincedthatthepurposesofthe
formalitieshavebeenserved.
(2) ClearandConvincingEvidenceStandard
(3) Result:mistakeinsignaturesisforgivenandintentisvalidated
c) HarmlessError(Hall)
(1) UPCClearandconvincingevidenceoftheintentforawill
(2) DispensingPowercourtisdispensingitspower
(3) UnderminesFormalities
6. TEDRA
a) WaysofResolvingDisputes
(1) Unanimousvoluntaryagreementamonginterestedparties,no
court
(a) Beneficiaries

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(b) Takersunderintestacy
(c) Creditors
(2) Unanimousvoluntaryagreementamonginterestedparties,with
courtapproval
(3) Judicialproceeding
B. REVOCATION
1. UPC
a) SubsequentWill:newwillmustconformwiththerequirementsof
properexecution
(1) Express:
(a) EntireorPart:Laterwillmustspecificallysaythatthe
previouswill/partisrevoked
(2) Inconsistency:
(a) Entire:asecondwillthatisentirelyinconsistentwiththe
first
(b) Part:thesecondwilldistributesspecificassets
differentlythandidthefirst
b) RevocatoryAct:requires(1)anactofrevocationand(2)intentto
revoke
(1) Self
(a) Entire:thewillasawholewassubjecttoarevocatory
actandwasintendedtoberevoked
(b) Partial:ifoneprovisioniscrossedoutwithintentto
revoke
(2) ThirdParty:thirdpartymustdestroyininTestatorspresence
andatTestatorsdirection.
(a) Entire:theentirewillwasrevokedbythirdparty
(b) Partial:partofthewillwasrevokedbythirdparty
c) Minority:donotallowPartialRevocationbyPhysicalActbecauseit
essentiallyallowsabequestwithoutfollowinganyformalities.
2. ActsofRevocation
a) PhysicalActsmusttouchthewordsonthewill(Thompson)
b) Actsofrevocationinclude:
(1) Cutting
(2) Tearing
(3) Burning
(4) Obliterating
(5) Canceling
(6) Destroying

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c) UPC:norequirementofthephysicalacttotouchthewordsonthewill,
harmlesserrorruleappliestorevocation
3. RevocationByLawDIVORCE
a) Statutesautomaticallyrevokeprovisionswithinawillgivingtoaspouse
b) UPC
(1) Extendstherevocationtononprobateassets
(2) Revokesprovisionstoanyrelativesoftheexspouse
c) Washington
(1) Relativesoftheexspousenotrevoked
4. LostWill:Whenawillislostordestroyedaccidentally
a) Canbeusedtoprovealostwill:
(1) Duplicates
(2) Testimonies
(3) ComputerFiles
5. DependantRelativeRevocation(DRR)(LaCroix):
a) Applieswhereatestator
(1) revokesallorpartofherwill
(2) underthemistakenassumptionoflaworfact,
(3) therevocationisineffectiveifthetestatorwouldnothave
revokedthewillbutforthemistakenbelief.
b) Whenamountislowered,DRRisrarelyapplied
6. ContractsNottoRevoke
a) Theremustbeanexternalcontractnottorevoke
b) Jointormutualwillsdonotimplyacontractnottorevoke
c) Thereisnopresumptionwhenacouplecreatesajointormutualwillnot
torevoke
C. REVIVAL
1. Revocationofasecondwillmayimplythatafirstwillshouldberevived.
2. UPC2509(pg.238)
a) Previouswillrevivedifcircumstancesshowthattestatorintendedsuch
when
(1) Subsequentwhollyrevokedpreviousby
(2) RevocatoryAct
b) Previouswillrevivedifcircumstancesshowthattestatorintendedsuch
when
(1) Subsequentpartiallyrevokedpreviousby
(2) RevocatoryAct
c) Previouswillrevivedifcircumstancesshowthattestatorintendedsuch
when

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(1) Subsequentwhollyorpartiallyrevokedby
(2) LaterWill
3. InOrder:
a) Previous
b) Subsequent
c) Later
D. WILLCOMPONENTS
1. Integration
a) forapartofthewilltobeintegrateditmustbe
(1) Presentatthetimeofexecution,AND
(2) Testatorintendedittobepartofthewill
(3) (HarmlessErrorCanBeApplied)
2. RepublicationbyCodicil
a) Avalidlyexecutedwillisreexecutedasofthedateofacodicil
publicationunlesstheeffectofsotreatingitwouldbeinconsistentwith
testatorsintent.
b) Codicil:supplementaladdedportiontoawill
3. IncorporationbyReference(UPC2510)(Greenhalge)
a) Apieceofpaperthatwasnotphysicallypresentatthetimeofexecution
maybeincorporatedbyreferenceif:
(1) Alreadyinexistance
(2) Descriptioninthewilladequatelydescribesthewriting
(3) Testatorsintenttoincorporate
b) Asifthewritingwasproperlyexecuted
c) UPC2513TangiblePersonalProperty
(1) Mustbesignedbythetestator
(2) Onlymaydisposeofpersonaltangibleproperty
(a) Notcash
(3) Maybechangedaftertheexecution
4. ActsofIndependentSignificance
a) Actsofindependentsignificancecangivetestamentaryeffecttofactor
circumstancesthatarenotpartoftheexecutedwill.
(1) Canoccurbeforeoraftertestatorsdeath
b) NOTALLOWEDiftheactwasdone,orlookslikeitwasdone,for
theexpresspurposeoftestamentarydistribution
c) Rationale:ifthereisanindependentmotivationfortheactitisdeemed
reliable
d) Awillmaydeterminebeneficiariesand/orpropertybylookingoutside
ofthewill.

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E. MENTALCAPACITY
1. GeneralCapacity
a) Impairsthesoundmindrequirementforformation
b) AtestatorMUSThavesomeideaofthe
(1) Thenatureandextentofherproperty
(2) Thenaturalobjectsofherbounty
(3) Dispositionmakingwiththeproperty
(4) Relaytheseideastoformanorderlydesiretocreateawill
(5) Willrepresentsherwishes
c) Withoutcapacitythetestatorcouldnothaveproperintent
d) Foiblesandweirdidiosyncrasiesdonotestablishincapacities
2. InsaneDelusion(Breeden)
a) Impairsthesoundmindrequirementforformation
b) Definition:
(1) Apersistentbelief
(2) Believedbeyondallreason
(3) Thatmateriallyaffectsthedispositionofthewill
c) TheinsanedelusionmustCAUSEwilldispositions
3. Onceawillisproposed,theburdenisonthecontestantstoproveincapacity
F. TORTIOUSBEHAVIOR
1. UNDUEINFLUENCE
a) Elements
(1) Confidentialrelationshipexistedbetweentestatrixand
defendant
(2) Defendantreceivedbulkoftestatrix'estate
(3) Testatrixhadweakenedintellectwhenchallengedwillwas
executed
b) Process
(1) First,proponentofwillpresentsformallyexecutedwill
(2) Second,personchallengingthewillmustthenprovebyclear
andconvincing
(3) Finally,theburdenshiftsbacktoproponenttoprovebyclear
andconvincingthat
c) ConfidentialRelationship
(1) TrustRelationship:whenonepersonistrustinganotherperson
to
(2) FormalFiduciary:attorney/client,doctor/patient,powerof
attorney/elder
(3) DominantSubservient:whenonepersonisillorweakenedand

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hasrelinquishedpowertoanother
(4) Whenthereisafiduciaryrelationshiporotherconfidential
relationship
d) WashingtonRule
(1) ConfidentialRelationship
(2) SuspiciousCircumstances
(a) Unnaturaldisposition
(b) Lackoflegaladvice
(c) Secrecy
(d) Suddenchangeindoctorsattitude
(e) BulkofEstate+WeakenedIntellect
e) DURESS:overlycoerciveUndueInfluence
2. FRAUD
a) Generally:thecreation,modificationorrevocation
b) IntentionalDeceptionoftheTestator
(1) Fraudintheinducement:misrepresentationaboutfacts
(2) Fraudintheexecution:misrepresentationaboutthedocuments
c) BySomeoneElse
d) Thatmateriallyaffectsthetermsofthewill
e) DistinguishedfromUndueInfluence
(1) UndueInfluence:theinfluencersintentischannelled
(2) Fraud:testatorsintentbutmisledbydeception
3. TORTIOUSINTERFERENCE(Schilling)
a) Generally:thirdpartycanrecoverwheninterferenceinvolvedtortious
conduct.
b) ElementsofIntentionalInterferencewithanExpectedInheritance
(1) Existenceofanexpectancy
(2) IntentionalInterferencebyTortiousConduct
(a) UndueInfluence
(b) Duress
(c) Fraud
(3) Causation
(4) Damages
c) SOMEJURISDICTIONS:partiesmaynotbringtortclaimwhenthe
probateremedieshavenotbeenexhausted
G. WILLDRAFTING
1. CorrectingMistakesinWills
a) PlainMeaningRule:ifthelanguageinawillexhibitsanunambiguous
plainmeaning,thecourtisnotgoingtoinferthatthetestatorintended

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anothermeaning.(Mahoney)
(1) LatentAmbiguity:notonthefaceofthewill
(a) ExtrinsicEvidenceOkay
(2) PatentAmbiguity:apparentfromwillalone
(a) NoExtrinsicEvidence
b) AdHocReliefonMistakenTerms:thecourthasnopowertoreform
butcourtreformsanyway.(Arnheiter)
(1) Whentherearedetailsincludedthatarehighlysusceptibleto
mistakeanditisclearlyshownthattherewasamistake(Gibbs)
c) Openreformationextrinsicevidence(HercegUPC2805)
(1) Courtmayreformthetermseveninunambiguoustoconformto
testatorsintentI
(a) clearandconvincingevidenceshowstestatorsintent
AND
(b) termswereaffectedbyamistakeoffactorlaw
H. ANTILAPSE
1. CommonLaw
a) Generally:aspecificorgeneralbequesttoabeneficiarywho
predeceasesthetestatorlapses
b) RULES
(1) Appliestospecificbequests&generalbequests
(2) Doesnotapplytoresiduarybequests
(3) Aresiduarybequestthatlapsesisdistributedthroughintestacy
(4) Ifthegiftispartofaclassgiftthenlapsedsharesplitbetween
survivingclassmembers
(5) Ifaclassmemberpredeceasesthetestator,hershareisshared
amongthesurvivingclassmembersunlessthewillspecifies
otherwise.
(a) ClassGiftisagroupoftakersorwheretheamountof
thetakersisnotfixed
(b) Theamounttakendependsonthemembersoftheclass
(c) Classcloseswhenthefirstmemberoftheclasscan
take
2. UPC
a) UPC2604(b)
(1) Abrogatescommonlawnoresidueofaresiduerule
(2) Splitbequestofdeadresiduarybeneficiaryamongsurviving
residuarybeneficiary
(3) Subjecttoantilapsestatute

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b) UPC2605ANTILAPSESTATUTE
(1) DevisedoesnotlapseIFthedeceasedbeneficiaryisalineal
descendantofthetestator'sgrandparent(includingstepchildren)
AND
(2) Hassurvivingdescendants
(3) Classgifttodeceasedbeneficiaryisnotlapsed
I. ADEMPTION
1. IdentityRule
a) Generally:ifaspecificbequestinawilldoesnotbelongtothetestator
whenthetestatordies,thebequestisadeemed
b) Policy:testatorhastheopportunity
2. IntentTheory
a) Generally:aspecificbequestadeemsUNLESSthebeneficiaryshows
thatthetestatorintendedotherwise
b) Abequestisnotadeemedifatestatordoesnothavetheknowledgeor
opportunitytorewriteawillafterspecificallybequestedpropertyhas
beensold.(Anton)
(1) Anappointedguardian/powerofattorneydoesnotequatewith
knowledgeandunderstandingofthesaleofspecificproperty.
c) UPCAdoptsintenttheory
IV. TRUSTS
A. CREATION
1. IntentBifurcation(Jiminez)
a) Intentthatonepersonholdpropertyforthebenefitofsomeoneelse
b) Musthaveintenttotakeonpowersanddutiesoftrustee
2. Property
a) Propertymustbeidentifiableatthetimeofcreation(Unthank)
(1) Identifiable:separatetrustassetsfromgeneralassets
b) FutureProfits:profitsorinterestinfutureprofitsarerequiredtobecome
identifiable(Brainard)
c) UPC2511:WillMayFundTrustWhen
(1) Trustisestablishedor
(2) Attestatorsdeathif
(a) Trustisidentifiedinthewill
(b) Executedconcurrentlyorbeforewill
3. DefiniteBeneficiaries
a) UTC:trusteemaydecidewhoqualifiesasabeneficiary
b) Personshavingrighttoholdtrusteeresponsibleandmustbe
ascertainable

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c) Animalsarenotproperdefinitebeneficiaries
(1) StatutorilyAllowed
(a) RuleAgainstPerpetuitiesproblem(ignoredbycourts)
(2) HonoraryTrust
(a) Commonlawallowedtrustsforthecareofindefinite
beneficiaries
(b) IFthetrusteesagreetothedutiesupontheirhonor
d) Propertymaynotbeabeneficiary
(1) Exception:PurposeTrust
(a) Statutorilyallowed
(b) PolicyArguments
(c) RCW11.98.015
4. Writing
a) NotnecessarylegallyBUT
b) NOTPRACTICALTOCREATEORALTRUST
c) Technicalrequirementthatnotificationisinwritingmaybeignoredby
thecourt
5. ResultingTrusts:equitablereversionaryinterestariseswhen
a) ifanexpresstrustfailsormakesanincompletedispositionor
b) ifonepersonpaysthepurchasepriceforpropertyandcausestitleto
thepropertytobetakeninthenameofanotherpersonwhoisnota
naturalobjectofthepurchasersbounty
6. ConstructiveTrust:whenpropertyownershipwouldresultinunjustenrichment,
theowneroflegaltitlebecomestrusteeforbenefitofdeservingparty
B. CONTENTS
1. Generally:atrustmayholdanyformofproperty
2. Principal
a) Thecorpusofthetrust
b) Usuallythetrustisdesignedtoprotecttheprincipal/corpus
3. Income
a) Moneythatthetrustearnsthroughrents/interest/etc
C. MODIFICATIONANDTERMINATION
1. SettlorAlive
a) RevocableLivingTrust:settlormayunilaterallyrevokethetrust
b) IrrevocableTrust:modificationmaybedonebyconsentofall
beneficiariesandthesettlor
2. SettlorDead
a) CommonLaw
(1) MaterialPurposeDoctrine:Ifthereisnomaterialpurposeor

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thepurposeisunaffectedbytermination.(Claflin)
(a) Atrustcannotbeterminatedif:
(i) SpendthriftTrust
(ii) EnjoymentPostponed:thebeneficiaryisnotto
receivetheprincipaluntilattainingaspecified
age
(iii) DiscretionaryTrustOR
(iv) SupportTrust
(b) Musthaveconsentofallbeneficiaries.
(2) EquitableDeviation/ChangedCircumstances:changed
circumstancesnotanticipatedbythesettlorthatwoulddefeator
substantiallyimpairtheaccomplishmentofthepurposesofthe
trust.
b) UTC
(1) Aspendthriftclausewillnotautomaticallybeamaterialpurpose
(2) Unanimousconsentofthebeneficiariesisnotrequiredaslong
asthedissentersrightswereprotectedandthematerialpurpose
isnotcompromised.
D. FIDUCIARYADMINISTRATION
1. DutyofLoyalty(UTC802)
a) AtrusteeshalladministerthetrustSOLELYintheinterestsofthe
beneficiaries
b) SelfDealing
(1) Transactionvoidablebycourtiftrusteetransactsinawaythat
benefitsthetrustee
(a) EXCEPT:approvedbycourt,permissionby
beneficiary,priortocontemplatingtrusteeship
(2) NoFurtherInquiryRuleifatrusteeengagesinselfdealing
thenthecourtwillinquirenofurtherandliabilityattaches
c) ConflictsofInterest
(1) UTC:Conflictbetweenpersonalinterestandthebeneficiarys
bestinterest.
(2) Rebuttablepresumptionthatthetransactionisvoid
2. DutyofPrudence(UTC804)
a) DistributionFunction
(1) Distributingincomeorprincipaltothebeneficiaryinaccordance
withthetermsofthetrust.
(a) Mandatory:mustmakespecifieddistributions
(b) Discretionary:hasdiscretionoverwhen,towhom,and

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inwhatamount
(2) DutyToInquire:whereatrusteehasdiscretiontodistributeto
thebeneficiarythenthe
(3) InGoodFaith:regardlessoftheextentofdiscretionthatthe
trustorgivesthetrusteethetrusteemustactreasonablyandin
goodfaith.
(4) ExculpatoryClause:exoneratestrusteeexceptfor
(a) clausesthatwereobtainedbyoverreachOR
(b) willfulneglectordefault
b) InvestmentFunction
(1) FormerInvestmentStandardPrudentManRule
(a) Aprudentmanwouldnotinvestinariskyinvestment
(b) Problem:courtsusehindsightbiasinholdingfiduciarys
liablewhentheyshouldnthavebeen.
(c) Everyinvestmentwasjudgedasspeculativeandnot
viewedasawhole
(2) CurrentInvestmentStandardPrudentInvestorRule
(a) UniformPrudentInvestorAct
(b) Trustinvestmentsareevaluatednotinisolationbutin
thecontextofthetrustportfolioasawholeandaspart
ofanoverallinvestmentstrategyhavingriskandreturn
objectivesreasonablysuitable
(c) Diversification:atrusteemustdiversifyatrustportfolio
unlessthetrusteedeterminespurposeisbestserved
otherwise
(d) Risk&Return
c) DutiesofaTrustee
(1) Delegation
(2) Impartiality
(3) Collect&Protect
(4) Earmark
(5) DoNotCommingle
(6) DutytoInform
V. NONPROBATEASSETS
A. Generally
1. Rapidriseofnonprobatesuccessiontransfers
2. LegalIssuesraised
a) Isitokaytomaketransfersatdeathwithoutobservingthewill
formalities

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(1) Answer:NO
b) Towhatextentdoweapplythesubstantivelawofwillstowill
substitutes?
(1) Answer:Stillevolving.Trendistowarduniformity
(2) UPC:discussesrevokingagoverninginstrument
c) Variousbeneficiarydesignationsaredifficulttocoordinate.
(1) Solution:revocabletrustcreatedasthebeneficiary
B. ApplicationoftheLawofWills
1. CreditorsofSettlors
a) CreditorshavearighttohavedebtssatisfiedbytheestateassetsAND
avestedintervivostrusts.(Reiser)
b) Problem:canacreditorsatisfydebtsfromthevestedinterestof
successortrustee/beneficiaries.
c) Itisnotfairtoallowapersontoliveoffassetsduringhislifeandthen
shieldthemfromhiscreditorsonhisdeath.
d) Creditorsmayormaynotreach,JointTenancies,LifeInsurance,
RetirementBenefits,USSavingsBond,orPODAccount.
2. RevocationonDivorce
a) SomeJurisdictions:Statutesthatrevokedistributiontodivorced
spousesinwillsmayalsorevoketheexspousesrightsundera
revocabletrust.(Clymer)
b) UTC:revokesnonprobatetransferstoaspouseafterdivorce
c) ARISA:federallawmaypreempttheexspousalrevocation
3. Capacity
a) UTC:capacitytocreatetrustidenticaltolawofwills
C. RevocableLivingTrust
1. Requirements
a) Majorityofstatespresumethatanintervivostrustisrevocable
b) Languagethatthetrustisrevocableintitleandreservingtherightto
revoke
(1) Mustreservetherighttorevokeorelseitdefaultsto
irrevocable
2. BifurcationofTitle
a) OLDRULE:beneficiaryhasapresentinterestintherighttoholdthe
trusteeaccountable
b) NEW/UTCRULE:settlorhascompletecontrolandthebeneficiary
maynotholdtrusteeaccountable.(Moon)
(1) Contingentbeneficiarydoesnothavestandingtobringclaim
againstthetrustee

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(2) Vestingofthecontingentbeneficiarysinterestissubjectto
3. ContemporaryUses
a) PourOverWill
b) Coordination
(1) Funnellnonprobateandprobatefundsintotrust
(2) Onedevicetoamenddistributions
c) Managepropertyfornextgeneration
d) NOTselfexecutingrequirestrusteetotransferandmanage
D. LifeInsurance
E. PayOnDeathAccounts
F. TransferOnDeath
VI. PLANNINGFORINCAPACITY
A. Generally
1. DefaultRule:whenapersonbecomesincapacitatedthenaconservatoris
appointedbythecourt
2. Mostpeoplewanttochoosethepersonwhomakesdecisionsforthem
3. Creditorsofthebeneficiarymaycollectfromthebeneficiarypropertythatthe
beneficiaryhasarightto.
B. RevocableTrust
1. Canhelppropertymanagementincaseofincapacity
a) SuccessororCoTrustees
b) TriggeringMechanismthatDecides
(1) WhatincapacityisAND
(2) Whodeterminesincapacity
2. RightsofBeneficiarysCreditors
a) CommonLaw
(1) DiscretionaryTrusts
(a) Definition:trustwherethesettlorhasgiventhetrustee
discretionoverdistributionstothebeneficiary
(b) PurelyDiscretionary
(i) BeneficiarysCreditorshavenorighttoseize
theassetsfromthetrust
(ii) Beneficiarycannotalienatepropertyintrust
(iii) absoluteanduncontrolleddiscretion
(c) SupportTrust
(i) OrdinaryCreditorscannotseizeassetsfrom
trust
(ii) Creditorswhoprovidenecessitiesmayseize
assets

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(iii) Also,peoplesuingforchildsupportorspousal
maintenancemaycollectagainstthetrust
(d) Hybrid/DiscretionarySupportTrust
(i) Treatedthesameasapurelydiscretionarytrust
(2) MandatoryIncomeTrust
(a) Trusteehasnodiscretionregardingdistributions
(b) Beneficiaryscreditorsmaycollectadebtagainstthe
incomedistribution
(3) SpendthriftClause
(a) Altersthegeneralruletopreventabeneficiaryfrom
voluntarilyorinvoluntarilyalienatemandatory
distributions
(i) Doesnotapplytoselfsettledtrusts
(ii) SelfSettledTrust:trustcreatedwithsettloras
beneficiary
(b) Exception:UnderUTCandCommonLawChild
SupportandSpousalMaintenancemaycollectagainst
thetrustdespitethespendthriftprovision
(c) Tortcreditorsmaynotcollectfromthetrustforthe
tortfeasorbeneficiarysdebt
(d) TaxLiensmaybeexecutedagainsttrust
(e) Minority:Health/Food
(f) Policy:settlorhascontinuedpropertyinterestinthe
property
(i) Similartotestamentaryfreedom
b) UTC
(1) NoDistinctionbetweensupport,purelydiscretionary,and
discretionarysupporttrusts.
(2) Onlychildsupportandspousalmaintenancecreditorsmay
demandpaymentfromthetrustee
(3) Beneficiaryhasnorighttoadiscretionarydistributionand
thereforecannotalienatediscretionarytrustproperty
3. NecessarySupport
a) Traditionally
(1) MedicalCare
(2) Food
b) Commonly
(1) Maintenance
(2) Education

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(3) Support
(4) Health
4. SelfSettledAssetProtectionTrust
a) General:grantorcreatestrusttoprotectassetsthroughtheplacementof
spendthrift,shieldsfromassets
b) 14JurisdictionsallowDomesticSelfSettledAssetProtectionTrust
c) Restrictions
(1) 4yearwaitingperiod
(2) ChildSupportmaycollect
(3) BankruptcyActwilldipintotrustcreatedwithinlast10years
d) KillerRabbitTrust
(1) Trustautomaticallytransferstoforeignlocation
(2) Ifthereareanyproblemswiththistrustinthisjurisdictionthen
itshallautomaticallybeheldintrustintheCaymanIslands
5. Supplemental/SpecialNeedsTrust
a) General:usedtoqualifypersonformedicaidormedicare
b) Elements
(1) Containaspendthriftclause
(2) Thirdpartytrustee
(3) Beneficiaryisdisabled
(4) MustBePurelyDiscretionary
(5) Trusteemayprovidedirectservicesthatsupplementwhatthe
stateprovides
(a) E.g.cellphone,occupationaltherapy,transport,
education,Ipad
(6) NOTgivingbeneficiaryfunds
c) Disabledfamilymemberthatreliesonsignificantmedicalsupportmay
requiremedicaidandcannotqualifywithlargeassets
d) Trusteeisusuallyafamilymember
e) SelfSettledSNT:remaindermustgotothestatetocompensatethe
stateforservicesprovidedduringthebeneficiaryslifetime
f) ThirdPartySNT:remaindermaybedistributedasthesettlorwillsso
longasthetrustisanew(notfundingaselfsettledtrust)
C. DurablePowerofAttorney
1. Formation
a) UsuallyNotarized
b) CapacityRequired
c) BestPractice:appointmultipleagents
2. Types

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a) Financial:writtendocumentthatauthorizesanotherpersontomake
financialdecisionsonthecreatorsbehalf
b) Medical:createdinahealthcaredirectivetoappointahealthcare
proxy
3. Dangers
a) Agentsabusingtheirpower
b) Nobeneficiariestoholdtheagentaccountable
c) Agentsmaydeclinetoact
4. TriggeringMechanism
5. DurablePowerofAttorney&RevocableTrustusedtogether
a) PoAcatchespropertyoutsideoftrust
b) RLT
D. HealthCareDirective
1. InstructionalDirective
a) Nutrition/Hydration
b) PainMedication
c) Ventilation
2. Healthcareproxypowersaretypicallyoptionalpowers
3. DoNotResuscitate
a) WA:PhysicianOrderofLifeSustainingTreatment(POLST)
VII. LIMITSONFREEDOMOFDISTRIBUTION:PROTECTIONOFSPOUSEAND
CHILDREN
A. ElectiveShareofaSeparatePropertySurvivingSpouse
a)
B. ProtectionAgainstUnintentionalOmission
1. Timing:anomittedchildorspousemightbeeligibletoreceiveanelectiveshare
ifthetimingworks
a) Ifachildisbornafterthewillismadethenthelawassumesthatthe
testatorwantedthechildtoreceive
C. UPC2301Community&SeparatePropertyJurisdictions
1. Spousereceivesintestateshareiftestatormarriedspouseafterexecutingthewill
UNLESS
a) devisedtoachildoftheTestatorwhowasbornbeforethemarriage
OR
b) devisedtoachildunderUPC2603()or2604()
2. EXCEPTIONS
a) Evidenceshowswillwasmadeincontemplationoftestatorsmarriage
b) Willshowsintenttobeeffectivenotwithstandingasubsequentmarriage
c) TestatorprovidedforthespousebytransferoutsideofthewillAND

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evidenceshowsthattestatorintendedittobeinlieuofwillprovision

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