BT 146 Wills, Probate, and Domestic Relations

Instructor Information
Instructor name—Theresa Markovich
Contact information—contact through Canvas email; 425.388.9242
Office location—Olympus 217
Course Description
This is the second course in a series of three legal theory and transcription classes. The course
focuses on probate, bankruptcy, and family law. Students transcribe correspondence,
pleadings, legal documents and forms. Prerequisites: BT 145 (Civil Litigation) or instructor
permission.

Books and Materials—Required & Optional Materials

 Legal Transcription, 3rd Edition, Lyle and Doty, Paradigm Publishing, ISBN 9780763842048
 Microsoft Windows; Word 2016
 WAV pedal and appropriate WAV software
Course Objectives and Outcomes
Everett Community College has identified Core Learning Outcomes. BT 147 specifically
addresses the outcomes marked with either an I (Introduce) or an A (Assess).
• I Think critically.
• I Communicate effectively.
• A Demonstrate computer and technology proficiency.
In addition to Everett Community College Core Learning Outcomes, students in the Business
Technology program work toward completion of program outcomes. BT 147 specifically
addresses the outcomes marked with either an I (Introduce) or an A (Assess).
• I • A Anticipate and actively explore innovative solutions to technological and organizational
challenges.
• I Demonstrate critical thinking, analytical, and quantitative skills in making decisions and
completing tasks and projects both independently and as a dependable team member.
• I Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication using the principles of clear
thinking, awareness of audience, appropriate conventions of format, structure, and language.
• A Use computers to input, manage, and interpret information and to solve business
problems in a variety of situations.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
 demonstrate through testing knowledge of legal vocabulary connected with probate and
family law by spelling and defining terms.
 identify the characteristics of a will and apply the basic guidelines for the preparation and
execution of a will.
 prepare testamentary instruments (wills, codicils, living wills, power of attorney) and court
pleadings for routine probate.
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 enumerate the steps to start and complete a dissolution of marriage.
 prepare the Washington mandatory forms for dissolution of marriage.
 transcribe all legal documents using WAV files and a WAV pedal and software.
 apply rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation to all editing assignments and transcribed
legal documents.
Evaluation and Grading
Grades are earned on daily assignments (40 percent), quizzes (20 percent), and tests (60
percent). Assignments will receive credit only if turned in on or before the due date. Late
assignments will not be accepted.
GRADING SCALE
Letter Grade Standard Percent Conversion to GPA
A High degree of excellence 94-100 4.0
A- 90-93 3.7
B+ Better than average achievement 87-89 3.3
B 83-86 3.0
B- 80-82 2.7
C+ Average achievement 77-79 2.3
C 73-76 2.0
C- 70-72 1.7
D+ Low standard of achievement 67-69 1.3
D 65-66 1.0
F Failure to complete minimum requirements 0-64 0

Course Policies
Communication. Please do NOT use a personal email account to contact me; use Canvas only.
No late work will be accepted. All assignments are due on the date due. This syllabus
represents a tentative plan for how the course will be conducted. Conditions may arise that
necessitate changing topics, activities, due dates, etc. The instructor reserves the right to make
any changes as deemed necessary.
Follow the quarterly assignment sheet and read all assigned material. The key to
succeeding in this course is to proceed at an even pace, working on reading, editing, and
transcription assignments on a regular basis. Most importantly, get your work done and
submitted on time. Please remember that it is your responsibility to progress at a pace that will
allow you to submit all your work on time. The due dates listed in our course schedule are the
last dates for work to be completed; you should be submitting much of this work in advance of
that final date.

It is very important that you keep your files organized. Create a folder on your hard drive or USB
for this course. Create subfolders for each week, and name your transcription files the same as
posted on the assignment sheet (For example, Project 5-1 Landers Will).. This will be helpful in
future legal classes.

Ask questions. If you are having trouble comprehending instructions for an assignment or
activity, please don't hesitate to contact me. However, it is crucial that you do so within a

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reasonable time period. Asking for assistance one or two hours before the due date is not
sufficient time for me or other students to assist you.
Show respect for others. When posting responses, please be polite and respect the point of
view of others. Avoid being negative, judgmental, or insulting. Remember that this is an
academic forum and not a public chat room. This activity is crucial to the success of our course;
the discussions turn our virtual classroom into a real place where students and the instructor
are truly interacting. Please take your participation contribution seriously because we need to
learn from each other.
Academic Dishonesty. Plagiarism (and/or any other form of academic dishonesty) is a serious
offense and may result in failure on an exam, assignment, or project; failure in course; and/or
expulsion from Everett Community College. General advice and interaction are encouraged.
Each person, however, must develop his or her own solutions to the assigned projects,
assignments, and tasks. In other words, students may not "work together" on graded
assignments. Any incidents of this type will be reported to the Dean of Student Development as
a violation of the Student Conduct Code which is described in the Student Rights and
Responsibilities handbook
Personal Equipment. Your instructor is not responsible for and cannot support personal
computers and other personal electronic devices. The student is expected to know how to
troubleshoot personal computer problems and have a working computer with stable internet
service and access to EvCC email and Canvas (used by EvCC to support online, hybrid, and web-
enhanced courses). It is also recommended every student regularly back up computer files to
either an external hard drive or USB drive.
Disability Accommodations. Everett Community College, through its Vision, Mission, and
Strategic Plan, has made an institutional commitment to establish a diverse, equitable and
inclusive working and learning environment. My goal is to create a classroom environment in
which everyone can participate and learn. Because of the diversity of backgrounds,
experiences, and beliefs all of us bring to this class, I expect you to interact with your peers in a
spirit of generosity, mutual respect, and understanding.
You also have the right to request accommodation for a verified disability. For information and
assistance, contact the Center for Disability Services (located in Parks 267, 425-388-9272, or
cds@everettcc.edu) for help documenting specific needs you may have and determining
appropriate accommodations. Disabilities must be documented and authorized by the Center
for Disability Services before I can grant your request for special accommodations.
We understand that for our campus to be welcoming and safe, it must be free from all forms of
discrimination. Everett Community College does not discriminate based on, but not limited to,
race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, pregnancy or parental status, marital status, disability, genetic information, or
status as a veteran of war. If you believe that you have been subjected to discrimination or
harassment based upon any of these, you should let me know or contact the college’s Title IX
Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@everettcc.edu or 425-388-9271.
Additional Student Support Information:
 Canvas

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Assistance with the Canvas learning management system including logging in and course
access: Whitehorse 210 – 425-388-9027 or 1-866-575-9027
Canvas Help Desks are also in the library, outside the Tutoring Center, and the Whitehorse
lobby.
 Counseling and Student Success
Assistance with career counseling, academic/educational counseling, advising, and referral to
community mental health resources; Parks 3rd Floor – 425-388-9263
 Library
Information and services are available to support research and learning including books, media
materials, and databases. Librarians assist students in locating information and developing
research skills. Parks 1st floor – 425-388-9353 and 425-388-9354 (reference assistance)
 Tutoring Center
Free academic/tutorial support with course material, study skills, time management, and
preparation for exams; Rainier 119 and Baker 112 – 425-388-9356
 Writing Center
Peer writing assistants offer feedback, ideas, and methods for editing and polishing work.
Gray Wolf 150 – 425-388-9406
 For additional support services, visit the Everett Community College Student Resources
website.
General Information about EvCC Policies and Procedures
As outlined in the campus civility statement, Everett Community College is committed to
providing a safe learning and working environment. The expectation is that all students will
conduct themselves in a civil, respectable and appropriate manner as a responsible member of
the college community. The Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook identifies and
describes college expectations, students’ rights, and outlines the process for resolving
disciplinary matters, including Student Code of Conduct violations. The provisions of the
Student Code of Conduct apply to all students whenever they are on the college campus, in
college housing, or engaged in college-sponsored activities and functions.

Emergency Preparedness and Campus Closures

In the event of an emergency situation adversely affecting college operations, public health, or
the well- being and safety of students or employees, the college president may declare a
temporary closure of any or all units of the institution. If the event of a closure, information will
be posted on the opening screen of the EvCC website, emailed to students and employees at
their college email address, and will also be available as a message on the college’s main phone
line at 425-388-9100. Students may sign up to receive an emergency alert as a text message or
by personal email through the Rave system. Faculty will communicate with students about
adjustments in course content or requirements, including assignment deadlines that may be
impacted by a closure.
Academic Calendar
Registration and payment dates, application and refund deadlines, the final examination
schedule and all other information related to the academic year and each individual quarter is
available on the college website.

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