Overview of "Hutley's Australian Wills Precedents"

Title and Authors: The book is titled "Hutley's Australian Wills Precedents" and is authored by Craig Birtles, Richard Neal, and Caroline Sims (10th edition).

Publication Details: The 10th edition was published in 2021 by LexisNexis Australia, with an ISBN of 9780409351835. It is available in paperback format.

Summary: This book is a comprehensive guide for succession law practitioners in Australia. It provides practical and usable precedents for will drafting, supported by a full explanation of the law and the authors' opinions on the implications of relevant court decisions. The book includes updated case law, legislation, and commentary, making it an essential reference work for practitioners in the field.

Key Themes:

• Will Drafting: The book focuses on the art of will drafting in Australia, offering a systematic approach to creating wills.
• Precedents: It provides a collection of precedents that are practical and usable, helping practitioners to draft wills efficiently.
• Legal Commentary: The book includes a full explanation of the law, along with the authors' opinions on the implications of court decisions.
• Case Law and Legislation: It is updated with the latest case law and legislation, ensuring that practitioners have access to current legal information.
• User-Friendly Format: The book is designed to be user-friendly, with a streamlined approach to precedents that makes it easier for practitioners to find and use the information they need.

Critical Reception:

• Essential Reference Work: The book has been described as the essential reference work on will drafting in Australia, reflecting its comprehensive and authoritative nature.
• Book Review: A review from Informit notes that the book is particularly relevant given the increasing topicality of wills and estate planning in Australia as the population ages and family structures evolve.

Editions: The book has been in publication since 1970, with the 10th edition being the most recent. Previous editions include the 7th and 8th editions, which have also been well-received in the legal community.

In summary, "Hutley's Australian Wills Precedents" is a critical resource for succession law practitioners in Australia, offering practical precedents, legal commentary, and updated case law and legislation. Its user-friendly format and comprehensive coverage make it an essential tool for those involved in will drafting.