Succession, Wills and Probate (3^rd Ed.)

Succession, Wills and Probate is an ideal textbook for those taking an undergraduate course in this surprisingly vibrant subject, and also provides a clear and comprehensive introduction for professionals. Against an account of the main social and political themes of succession law, the book gives detailed explanations of core topics such as alternatives to wills and the making, altering and revocation of wills. It also explains personal representatives and how they should deal with a deceased person's estate and interpret and implement the will. Gifts may fail, estates may be insolvent or a person may die intestate, without a will at all. Increasingly relatives and others seek to challenge the will, for example on the grounds of the testator's capacity or under the law of family provision.

This third edition is edited, updated and revised to take account of new legislation and case law across all the relevant issues, including a new final chapter dealing with the potentially contentious issues that are becoming more central to professional work in the field of succession.

1. History 2. Will Substitutes 3. Nature and Characteristics of a Will 4. Capacity to Make a Will 5. Formalities for the Execution of Wills 6. Special Wills 7. Revocation of Wills 8. Alteration, Republication and Revival 9. Intestate Succession 10. The Classification and Failure of Gifts 11. Construction of Wills 12. Personal Representatives 13. Administration of Estates 14. Tax and Tax Planning 15. Family Provision 16.Problem Solving and Contentious Issues

Caroline Sawyer is admitted in England and Wales as a solicitor, and as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, where she practises in Wellington.

Miriam Spero is a Solicitor at Stafford Young Jones where she specialises in private client work. She is a member of the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners and Solicitors for the Elderly.