Among the States and Territories there are numerous significant differences in the law of wills. In intestacy, the rights of a surviving spouse vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In family provision schemes, qualification to apply for provision is far from uniform, as are also the grounds on which the courts in different jurisdictions may order that provision be made. In the administration of deceased estates, there is a lack of uniformity in the law relating to devolution of title and the payment of debts from assets, and uncertainty with respect to interstate recognition of grants of probate. Less significant differences are numerous, particularly in those relatively neglected areas of law reform such as probate and administration. To date, in Australia, State and Territory succession laws have been reformed in a piecemeal manner. The development by the National Committee of model legislation to be used as the basis for reform by individual States and Territories provides an opportunity for the States and Territories to adopt uniform, or at least consistent, laws relating to wills.

"[P]repared by the Queensland Law Reform Commission on behalf of the National Committee for Uniform Succession Laws and has also been published by the Queensland Law Reform Commission - Administration of estates of deceased persons (Queensland Law Reform Commission, Miscellaneous paper 37, 1999"--P. iii.

Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this concise exposition and analysis of the essential elements of law with regard to family relations, marital property, and succession to estates in the USA covers the legal rules and customs pertaining to the intertwined civic status of persons, the family, and property. After an informative general introduction, the book proceeds to an in-depth discussion of the sources and instruments of family and succession law, the authorities that adjudicate and administer the laws, and issues surrounding the person as a legal entity and the legal disposition of property among family members. Such matters as nationality, domicile, and residence; marriage, divorce, and cohabitation; adoption and guardianship; succession and inter vivos arrangements; and the acquisition and administration of estates are all treated to a degree of depth that will prove useful in nearly any situation likely to arise in legal practice. The book is primarily designed to assist lawyers who find themselves having to apply rules of international private law or otherwise handling cases connected with the USA. It will also be of great value to students and practitioners as a quick guide and easy-to-use practical resource in the field, and especially to academicians and researchers engaged in comparative studies by providing the necessary, basic material of family and succession law.