Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

Which statement correctly describes the role of a dependent?

1. They possess fiduciary duties.

2. They can inherit property through a will.

3. They rely on another for existence and support.

4. They execute legal documents.

The correct answer is: They rely on another for existence and support.

The statement that a dependent relies on another for existence and support accurately describes the role of a dependent. A dependent typically refers to an individual, such as a child or someone who is financially reliant on another person, usually a caregiver or guardian. This concept is often invoked in various contexts, such as tax law or family law, where dependents may require support for their basic needs. The other statements do not correctly describe the role of a dependent. For example, possessing fiduciary duties relates to individuals who have specific responsibilities to act in the best interest of another party, typically in a professional capacity, like an attorney or trustee, which does not describe a dependent's role. The ability to inherit property through a will usually applies to anyone mentioned in the will and does not uniquely pertain to dependents, who may or may not be included as beneficiaries. Executing legal documents involves the authority and capacity to act in legal matters, which is not something typically associated with dependents, who rely on others for their needs rather than handling legal responsibilities themselves.