Introduction to the Book

I wrote this text after teaching property law to para-legal students for nearly six years. During that time, I used different texts, and reviewed several more. I usually supplemented the texts, for two reasons. First, most paralegal texts provide only general knowledge, not limited to any given state. The second is that, too often, texts treat paralegals as “mini lawyers” – the topics were abridged versions of what might be encountered in a law textbook. This meant that the text gave the most time to obscure or unnecessary legal theories and gave little attention to more necessary topics for paralegals, such as the process for recording documents, reviewing contracts, and so forth.

At the time of writing this book, the paralegal may find him or herself employed in many different fields, from law firms to title companies. Therefore, rather than attempting to force the paralegal to memorize volumes of information concerning Indi-ana property law, and in keeping with the practical focus, this book helps the paralegal to learn about property law from different angles, with a view to introduction to various fields in which he or she might find employment. I hope that, in addition to this book serving as an in-class text, it may be retained by the student as a reference should the student practice in a real-property related field during education or thereafter. For that reason, while paralegals are not often called to research property law cases, excerpts from Indiana cases, the Indiana Code, and the Indiana Administrative Code, are included for illustrative purposes.

In the following book, I have tried to begin with “the basics” and then add information in a logical manner to guide you through practical real property law. Finally, I have tried to inject some humor into the text, as I have found that unique, interesting, and (yes) amusing ways of approaching any topic make it more memorable to the student.