PPC1 Probate & Tax case studies
PPC1 Probate & Tax · Put your knowledge to work in context.
PPC1 Probate & Tax is a professional paralegal certification exam focused on the two areas that dominate an estates practice: the probate process and the tax rules that surround death and lifetime giving. It is aimed at paralegals and legal support staff who already work, or intend to work, in estate administration, elder law, or a tax-adjacent practice and who want a credential that signals practical command of the subject rather than general legal knowledge. The PPC1 Probate & Tax case studies are 5 cases and about 2,698 words.
1The Contested Cabin and the Spousal Elective Share
Harold died a resident of a state whose elective-share statute gives a surviving spouse one-third of the augmented estate. His will, executed two years before death, leaves the vacation cabin (valued at 600,000) outright to his adult daughter from a prior marriage and the residue to his second wife, Margaret, whom he married eight years ago.
543 words, about 3 min2The Underfunded Credit Shelter and the Portability Decision
Ruth died in 2023 with a gross estate of 9,000,000 and a will containing a formula credit-shelter trust funded with the maximum amount that can pass free of federal estate tax, residue to her husband, Sam. The executor, Sam, is also the sole beneficiary of the residue.
526 words, about 3 min3Fiduciary Income Tax and the Throwback Problem
The Martin Family Trust is a complex trust with a calendar tax year. In 2023 it received 80,000 of taxable interest and 40,000 of qualified dividends, and recognized a 30,000 long-term capital gain allocated to corpus.
539 words, about 3 min4Basis Planning for the Closely Held Business
Diane owns 100% of a manufacturing S corporation with a basis of 300,000 and a fair market value of 5,000,000. Her estate is 7,000,000, all of which passes to her two children equally under her will.
549 words, about 3 min5The Missed Deadline and the Ethics of the Extension
Attorney Patel represents the estate of a decedent who died on March 1, 2023. The gross estate is 14,000,000, exceeding the 12,920,000 exclusion, so a Form 706 is required.
541 words, about 3 min