Traditionally, the effects of inheritance are rooted in the opening of succession and are configured by law or will. Reality, however, looks much different. This approach to inheritance law disregards a number of legal transactions intended to replace the traditional forms of governing the effects of inheritance. This “new” domain is, however, characterised by great dogmatic diversity, touching upon fields as varied as Private International Law, Contract Law, Insurance Law or Corporate Law. The goal of this course is to systematically study these estate planning instruments notwithstanding the limitations imposed by Inheritance Law.