"Lee's Manual of Queensland Succession Law" is a comprehensive legal text written by Alun A. Preece, focusing on the laws governing succession in Queensland, Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Succession Law Overview: The book provides a thorough examination of succession law in Queensland, covering various aspects such as wills, probate, and intestacy.
2. Wills and Probate: It delves into the functions of wills, the making and execution of wills, revocation, alterations, and republication of wills.
3. Personal Representatives: The text discusses the roles, duties, powers, liabilities, and rights of personal representatives in managing estates.
4. Legacies and Beneficiaries: It explores legacies, devises, and beneficiaries' rights, including the payment of debts from the estate.
5. Intestacy and Family Provision: The book covers intestacy laws and family provision, which deals with the distribution of assets when there is no valid will.
6. Construction of Wills: It examines the principles and practices involved in constructing wills, including descriptions of property and beneficiaries.

Plot Summary

The book is structured into several chapters that systematically cover the key areas of succession law in Queensland. The chapters include:

• Chapter 1: Introduction - An overview of the subject matter.
• Chapter 2: Functions of Wills - Exploring the role and purpose of wills.
• Chapter 3: Making of a Will - The process of creating a valid will.
• Chapter 4: Execution of Wills - The formalities required for executing a will.
• Chapter 5: Revocation of Wills - How wills can be revoked.
• Chapter 6: Alterations in Wills, Republication and Revival of Wills - Changes to existing wills and their validity.
• Chapter 7: Death, Burial and Cremation - Procedures following a person's death.
• Chapter 8: Personal Representatives, Probate and Administration - Roles and processes involving personal representatives.
• Chapter 9: Personal Representatives – Duties, Powers, Liabilities and Rights - Detailed examination of personal representatives' responsibilities.
• Chapter 10: Legacies, Devises and Beneficiaries’ Rights - Rights and entitlements of beneficiaries.
• Chapter 11: Payment of Debts of the Estate – Order of Application of Assets - Prioritizing debt repayment from the estate.
• Chapter 12: Intestacy - Laws governing the distribution of assets when there is no valid will.
• Chapter 13: Family Provision - Ensuring fair distribution of assets for family members.
• Chapter 14: Construction of Wills – General Principles - Principles guiding the interpretation of wills.
• Chapter 15: Construction of Wills – Descriptions of Property - How property is described in wills.
• Chapter 16: Construction of Wills – Descriptions of Beneficiaries - Identifying and interpreting beneficiaries.
• Chapter 17: Construction of Wills – Quantum of Interest Given - Determining the extent of interests given to beneficiaries.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the search results, the book is widely regarded as a comprehensive and practical guide for students and legal practitioners working in the field of succession law in Queensland. The updates and revisions in the latest editions, including more case references and improved cross-referencing, are particularly noted for their utility in detailed legal research.

Overall, "Lee's Manual of Queensland Succession Law" is a trusted resource for understanding and navigating the complexities of succession law in Queensland, making it essential for both academic and professional purposes.