Product Description
Designed for students who may not have ready access to a law library, and for students on part-time and distance learning courses, the Sourcebook series offers a collection of material from a diversity of sources. The sources are annotated to set the materials in context and to explain their relevance and importance. The purpose of this textbook is to provide ready access to a collection of source material in order to simplify the law of trusts. Each chapter begins with an exposition of the fundamental principles of trust law, followed by extracts from the judgements of leading cases. ... Read more

Product Description
Navigate probate, tax issues, and state laws

Create an estate plan and protect your family's interests

Need a will, but have no idea where to start? This friendly guide shows youhow to prepare a legal will or trust — either on your own or with professional help — and ensure that your wishes are honored. You'll handle everything from planning your bequests and writing and signing a will to selecting a trust and drafting your durable power of attorney.

Discover how to:

• Provide for your children

• Hire and work with professionals

• Minimize tax liabilities

• Amend or revoke a will or trust

• Avoid common estate planning mistakes

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Better than advertised!
The product arrived ahead of scheduled delivery date, and in better than expected condition.A vendor you can trust!

Don't shop pbshopus!!!!!!! Shop Red Barn Books
pbshopus gave me the wrong book and would not help me out. They gave me a UK version of Wills & Trusts. They knew it was too long since I ordered it for me to complain online so they did nothing. I went all the way up the chain of command. No one offered any help. They kept signing their emails "kindest regards." There was nothing kind about their customer service. Now I am stuck with a book I can't use. Red Barn Books sent just what I needed in a timely manner and a good price. Thank you Red Barn Books

Satisfactory
While it didn't answer all my questions, combined with other pieces of information on the internet, I was able to complete simple wills for my husband and me.There was no information concerning monies left to someone who may have received Medicaid (such as an adult child who received help during a serious illness).As I understand it, without a special trust, Medicaid can swoop in and take anything left to that person, possibly leaving them bereft.

written by a lawyer
This book is not for dummies: When I bought this book I expected well organized information to help me decide what I need, a will and/or a trust and how to implement that. I was looking for something like a guide which helps me find the way to the answer for my personal situation. What I found when reading in this book are an enumeration of single facts and examples which don't seem to make sense as a whole. The only thing which repeats throughout the book is the advice to consult an attorney. I bought this book because I don't want to spend the high wages of an attorney for filling out a few forms. And I have the feeling that this book was not written to reduce any attorney's wage. Well, I think I need to start looking for a book which was written by a non-lawyer.

This is the book you want
This is exactly what I was hoping for when I bought this book.Couldn't be happier.Buy with confidence. ... Read more

Product Description
This title is endorsed by STEP. Published in association with STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), this looseleaf is designed to help financial advisers, lawyers and accountants advise their elderly clients on a range of financial and legal topics. It contains easy to access information that is both detailed and practical. It includes strong emphasis on financial matters, such as pensions, gifts and taxation. The work is divided into the following main areas: Financial Matters; Capacity; Will Drafting; Accommodation; Community and Residential Care; Powers of Attorney; The Court of Protection; End of Life Decisions; Abuse; Dying Tidily; and, Grandparents and Grandchildren - Rights and Responsibilities. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed to make the process of transferring property through inheritance a smooth one, this planner provides the information readers need in order to talk intelligently to their lawyer, counsellor or financial planner.Amazon.com Review
The revised 60 Minute Estate Planner, by nationallyrecognized author and speaker Sandy F. Kraemer is a complete guide toprotecting the financial future of your heirs. Updated to includetax-law changes approved by Congress for the years 1998 through 2006,this easily followed handbook is divided into three sections. Thefirst explains why such a plan is needed, lays out the informationthat must be gathered to adequately prepare one, and discusses howprofessional assistance might be utilized in its creation. The secondexamines all of the components--such as living trusts, IRAs, lifeinsurance, and annuities--that are involved. And the third offerssuggestions for developing a plan that meets your specific values andgoals. "You can't take your money, possessions, land, love, or evenyour body with you when you die," Kraemer writes."Have you thoughtabout what you are going to do with them? Remember, what is given andreceived, as well as how and when it is done, makes and breakschildren, parents, relatives, and friends. Planning is an opportunityto show you care." With its incisive advice, clear language,functional checklists, and useful graphics, this manual actually canhelp you get there from here. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Best book on estate planning because of flow charts
Back in 1999, I decided to do some estate planning.I decided to buy about 5 books to first learn the basics of estate planning......then see an estate planning attorney to set up my estate plan.

Of the five books that I read on estate planning, Kraemer's book was by far the best book. The main reason I liked Kraemer's book was his use of example flow charts, which show what happens to the money as each spouse dies.These flow charts also allow you to easily calculate the estate tax due at each step of the process.

The other books were very dry and boring.......and without the flow chart approach...it was not clear to me how bypass trusts work.

I highly recommend Kraemer's book as the best book on estate planning.......primarily due to the flow charts.

Kraemer also explains that the use of disclaimers can be a good thing.......and a good way to deal with the changing estate tax laws.

Kraemer's book allowed me to understand the basics of estate planning and bypass trusts.I was able to save time and money then working with an estate planning attorney to set up our bypass trusts.

In this age of full disclosure, it can be noted that I am the author and publisher of the book INDEX MUTUAL FUNDS: HOW TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE AND BEAT THE PROS. This book is an introduction to the concept of index funds is and is sold on Amazon.I am also a contributing author to the book THE BOGLEHEADS GUIDE TO RETIREMENT PLANNING available from Amazon with an estimated release date of October 2009.I have also written 21 short stories on investing which are also available on Amazon.

Other good books on investing which may help you build a large enough estate so you get to worry about the problem of estate planning are shown below:

The Richest Man in Babylon
Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
The Millionaire Next Door
The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio
A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life
The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing

Leaving Your Final Legacy
Kraemer's Estate Planner can motivate you to begin what you have been putting off for a long time by helping you understand your way through the maze of complex legal and tax issues, leading you step-by-step through your decision-making process to solve your estate planning challenges.

Begin with the 9-page Inheritance Information Form on page 186--completing it will be a real eye-opener for you and a God-send for those destined to sort through your estate after you are gone.

The book is also logically divided with Part One taking you through preparatory personal and tax considerations, clearly outlining actions with guidelines to successful estate planning with solid information to demystify tax planning; Part Two discussing possible estate plan options for you to consider to create trusts and avoid probate; and Part three exploring personal values decisions that move beyond money and property into elder care, living wills, and funeral instructions.

Lot's of fluff in this book
This was the least helpful of the estate planning books I've recentlyread.It did have a lot of helpful information but the book is full offluff, lot's of it.If you cut out the fluff there might be 50 pages worthof useful and helpful data.There are much better books on the topic ofestate planning available. My opinion is that if you don't already havethis book in your estate planning library, then you don't need it.Yourmoney will be better spent elsewhere.

Excellent guide to the exact documents needed
This book is a lot like a recipe book: you determine the value of your assets and that will tell you exactly the documents you need to protect your estate. This is what makes this book stand out--you know exactly whatyou need and can save a lot of time and money by not having to pay a lawyerto determine this. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to knowwhat they need before they start getting billed by the lawyers.

Incorrect classification
This book does not belong in the "real Estate" classification ... Read more

Product Description
The Executor's Handbook is a step-by-step guide for estate executors and personal representatives. Covering everything from probate to wills to liquid assets, it helps readers determine the best course of action as an executor.

Updates to this edition include:
New information on wills
New types of bank accounts, such as pay-on death accounts
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
The increasingly common use of trusts
All state and federal laws, in texts and tables. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent overview of the role of an executor! Highly recommended.
When my family gathered a few months ago for my father's 75th birthday party, during one of several conversations we had, he out of the blue advised me that he'd named me to be Executor of his estate -- possibly because I'm first-born, but more likely because I'm the only sibling who is speaking to everyone else. I agree that I'm probably the best choice -- but his announcement scared the heck out of me. I had no idea what an Executor did.

I'm glad I ordered this book! It made the role of an Executor very easy to understand, and the few dollars I paid for this book will save me hundreds or thousands of extra dollars that I'd be paying an attoney (out of my father's estate) to do, when now I know how to do some things and how to proceed.

As a social worker -- not a lawyer! -- the book's intelligent explanations helped educate me, while not "talking down" to me in simplistic terms. This is no "Probate for Dummies" type of book. It's a valuable, intelligent, well-organized and resourceful book, and I'm hanging on to it to help guide me through the time when I get that late-night phone call I dread so much...

What can I expect to deal with
This book will give you insights into what to expect when "the event" occurs.It should be read before you except the responsibility.An executor is not just another job.

Good overall knowledge
This book gives great overview but it is not a do-it-yourself book. You'll still need legal advice. Highly recommend as a read so you can be educated before speaking with a lawyer.

Short, sweet, and to the point
After reading this book you can probably be an executor for an estate without hiring an attorney (assuming no legal documents have to be prepared or filed in court). I found this book in the reference section of the Westfield Pubic Library (NJ) along with its companion book: A Family Guide to Wills, Funerals & Probate (ISBN: 081604550X). This book was written for an executor to read, and the companion book concerned much of the same material but for the decedent to read before he or she dies.

I thought this book was great, and that it will help an executor gain a grasp of his or her responsibilities when administering and closing a decedent's estate. It is written without legal jargon. Have you ever had to administer an estate and gone to an attorney for help? Did you expect the attorney to tell you about your duties and delegate as much of the work to you as possible? And did you find the attorney did a lot of work you think you could and should have done? Well, if so, then this book probably could have helped you talk to the attorney and have more worked delegated to you.

This book is as comprehensive as it needs to be to educate an executor about his or her duties. When those duties can be complicated, the authors explain the basics so an attorney can be consulted to provide legal services. Keep in mind that many estates can be settled without any legal help being needed. Thus, I recommend an executor read this book before ever seeking an attorney for help, guidance, or services.

The edition of the book I read was hardbound and very pretty. There was an index of terms in the back of the book. However, I would have liked the book better if there had been a glossary of terms back there, too. Don't worry that the book doesn't have your state in its title. It is written so it is applicable to executors in all 50 states.

I found the book to be deficient in covering (failed to cover) the various tax forms (federal estate & income; state estate & income) that must be filed. They mention them, but I would have liked the book better if more had been written about them. Filing the tax returns is often the most complicated aspect of doing executor work. Most of the other things just take time.

A Must-Have Book For The Newly Appointed Executor
I purchased this book months ago to prepare myself for the future when I will have to handle my mother's affairs.To my absolute surprise, I have recently been appointed as administrator of my long lost cousin's estate.Yeap, he died intestate, without a will. Luckily I was just finishing this book so I had a clue what to do next.

The book has already proven to be a valuable resource of information. As I go through the probate process, I am referring to it to help me along. I put Post-It note flags on the tops of certain chapters to speed up the information retrieval. The Table of Contents is well organized.

The only thing I would suggest to the authors is to put a bit more "how to" instructions into the book.For instance, I need to do a Postal change of address. The topic is well covered in the chapter "The Deceased's Mail" but it does not tell you how to locate the Post Office where he once lived.A website address would be most helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
John Marsden's Will is the story of an extraordinary legal case. John Marsden himself was a mentally retarded Lancashire gentleman, looked after by his aunt. A servant, George Wright, became the aunt's lover and steward of Marsden's estate, continuing in office even after the aunt's death. When the unmarried Marsden finally died, his will effectively left Hornby Castle to the steward.

The will was then contested by the heir at law, Admiral Sandford Tatham, basing his claim on the incapacity of his cousin to understand and therefore endorse a complex will. Because John Marsden's mental state was at the heart of the case, depositions were taken by sides from all who had known him. This evidence allow us not only to follow the case but also to see the personalities and emotions of the men and women involved. In particular, it enables us to see Marsden himself in remarkable detail, from his fruitless attempts to learn his tables to his death from a stroke while in an earth closet. It is very rare for a handicapped person's life in any period before the twentieth century to be traceable in this way.

Tatham faced the problem that English courts were loath to overturn a will. The admiral suffered numerous set-backs in his attempt to oust Wright, as the action was fought out in a variety of courts followed by appeals, delay, manoeuvre and intrigue. The prolonged struggle and its outcome was followed by an enthralled public throughout the country.
... Read more

Product Description
Unless you make a will, someone you care about may lose out. But a bad will is worse than none at all. This book shows you how to write a legally binding will in plain English, that does what you want it to. Coverage includes: appointing executors to administer your estate; providing for spouses and same-sex partners; providing for children, including those with special needs; avoiding Inheritance Tax; avoiding unwelcome claims after your death; organ, tissue and whole body donation; and funeral arrangements. ... Read more

Product Description
This book shows you how to write a legally binding will in plain English to suit your circumstances. ... Read more

Product Description
You have been named the executor of a will by a friend or family member. Are you prepared to meet the challengeand do you know how to avoid personal liability? Thousands of individuals each year face the daunting and often painful task of settling the estate of a loved one, and even with professional guidance from attorneys, accountants and financial advisors, they are often ill-equipped to deal with many of the tasks necessary to manage and settle an estate. The Executor's Guide is the definitive instruction manual for anyone administering an estate under a will. Written by a practicing probate attorney, and featuring step-by-step instructions, worksheets, checklists, and timetables, and other resource, The Executor's Guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and navigate successfully through the entire process-from the time of death to the final closing of the estate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Issue with book
The book I received appears to be a library book. How do you know if it is legit?Should come with a disclaimer or release form.

executor's guide
I bought this book for my spouse as he is acting as an executor for an estate.he has found this book extemely useful
it is easy to read and understand
it has been a great help
would recommend

One of the best Estate Administraton & Settlement books available to executors and trustees that I have read. And I've read many

Wow, what a book! I loved it. I'm in the process of putting together an executor coaching company and as a result I am reading every book I can find on the subject of estate administration and settlement. This book is one of the few that is pretty comprehensive, well written and outlined, and downright informative. You will find explanations and help in the following areas if you get this book:

>>Checklists for executors
>>Decedent's Estate
>>Disclaimers
>>Estate administration
>>Estate settlement
>>Executor
>>Fiduciary duty
>>Funerals
>>Intestacy
>>Personal representative
>>Probate
>>Tax form preparation
>>Tax law
>>Taxable Estate
>>Trustee
>>Wills & trusts

You won't find help in hiring a lawyer or accountant in this book. But what you will learn from this book is information you should want to know if you decide to hire either an attorney or CPA. An educated consumer is the best kind of client to a professional.

This book is 321 pages long including the index of terms at the back. However, the main body of the book is only 155 pages. The text size is small and the line spacing is tight and the margins are half inch. Therefore, you are not being cheated by the somewhat steep retail price this book sells for. There is a lot of information packed into the numerous appendices. And there is a glossary of terms that starts at page 307 which is pretty good.

I highly recommend you examine the Search Inside material Amazon offers on this book for free. You can see for yourself what the book covers by taking a look at the detailed Table of Contents. Chapter 10 on taxes is the best overview of the subject I have seen in any estate administration book sold to the masses. And the checklists included in the main body of the book and the appendices are worth their weight in gold. Each chapter ends with its own checklist.

My only gripe with this book was how the author continuously preached that the involvement of an estate attorney is essential. As you can see from the above list, there is not much that really involves legal counsel. The only thing that arguably is the practice of law is using the Probate Court to help administer the probate estate. And it should be noted that the decedent's estate is not necessarily the same as the probate estate or the taxable estate. Estate adminstration involves much more than just probate. But the list of mandatory attorney duties at page 34 is much longer than I think it should have been. Basically she says the attorney does everything. In my humble opinion it doesn't have to be that way.

I would have liked the book much better if the author had just put a disclaimer at the front of the book (which she failed to do) and not kept telling me that I should seek the help of an attorney on most matters that she explains quite well on the written page. We all know this book is not a substitute for legal or accounting advice. But it sure does a good job of providing most of what you will hear should you seek advice from either of those professionals. 5 stars!

PS. Regarding the tax forms referred to in Chapter 10, find and download them (and their related instruction sheets) for free from the IRS Web site. ... Read more

Product Description
The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislative changes and amendments. They offer expert commentary by leading names on the effects, extent and scope of the legislation, plus a full copy of the Act itself. The guides provide a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 came into force in stages from April 2007 and will be implemented in full on 1 October 2007. The Act impacts on approximately 2 million people. It introduced new decision-making mechanisms which allow financial, welfare and healthcare decisions to be taken on behalf of persons lacking the mental capacity to make such decisions such as the making of advance refusals of treatment (a form of living will); and the creation of lasting powers of attorney, so allowing the appointee to make decisions on finance, health and welfare after the donor has become incompetent to make the decisions themselves.

The new edition of this popular Guide has been thoroughly updated to take account of the impact of the Mental Health Act 2007, new Codes of Practice to the MCA 2005, and new Court of Protection Rules. It has expanded analysis of the issues which arose in the Bournewood decision. It provides a clear and comprehensive guide to the scope and implications of Mental Capacity legislation and advice on how to ensure best practice.

This portable guide contains a copy of the Act, the Code of Practice, and Regulations regarding Lasting Powers of Attorney and the Court Rules for the Court of Protection. This is an invaluable resource for all lawyers and professionals working in this complex area. ... Read more

Product Description
Tools and information everyone needs to formulate a comprehensive, protective estate plan.

Too little, too late! Everyone regrets missing the boat now and then. But when it comes to estate planning, too little, too late means less—often a lot less—for your heirs. That's where this straightforward, easy-to-use guide comes in. Judge Jane Lucal meshes her years of experience as a probate judge with sound financial planning concepts. Having seen every mistake imaginable firsthand in the courtroom, she helps families anticipate the pitfalls of estate planning and capitalize on the slew of techniques that can maximize the transfer of wealth from generation to generation. In down-to-earth, straightforward language, the book explains why estate planning is so important, how you can calculate your net worth, and what asset protection options you can apply to your own situation. Judge Jane explains her "cornerstone concepts," the five basic questions you need to ask yourself about your estate plan. The book highlights real-life tales from the courtroom to illustrate Judge Jane's practical approach to estate planning. It shows readers how to integrate financial and legal planning for long-term positioning that translates into real money accumulated over the years. The author also offers insights on preparing for unforeseen events by building flexibility into the plan.

Inside:
• How and why you should jump-start your estate planning now
• Identifying your key estate planning goals
• Thorough explanations of estate planning vehicles like trusts, annuities, IRAs, Keogh plans, simplified employee pension plans, 401(k)s, and more
• Legal terms and concepts conveyed in lively, no-nonsense, easy-to-understand language
• Disability planning and planning for special situations, illustrated by real-life case studies
• Extensive resources, book lists, tools, and other information ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Highly Recommended!
Jane B. Lucal, a probate judge in Erie County, Ohio, describes how to implement early estate planning in order to make the best financial choices for yourself and your family. She begins by discussing the need for estate planning based on identifying your goals and your net worth. She suggests ways to preserve your estate while taking state laws into consideration. Lucal discusses the probate process and helps you prepare for it. One by one, she explains various estate planning tools, such as annuities, charitable donations, gifts, insurance, retirement plans, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, wills, property deeds, trusts and disability planning. getAbstract appreciated her wrap-up of seven key steps for setting up your own estate plan. The bigger your assets, the more you need this book. (Note: the legal nature of this information means the book is probably useful only for those living in the United States.)

Win Win Investment
I have spent a lot of money and time with attorneys,etc. to put together a sound and productive estate plan. As an octogenarian, I don't have much time to maneuver and so reading JUDGE JANE'S "Plan Now or Pay Later" convinces me that younger people have an advantage of a book about a very complicated(made so by many in the profession)matter which is nevertheless of importance to every living person. The "case study" feature of this book is unique and the best learning tool I have seen.After all these years, my eyes were opened and my understanding enhanced. YOUNG PEOPLE-for around twenty bucks don't miss this opportunity to put and keep your affairs in order. This is a win win investment! ... Read more

Product Description
An estate plan is much more than a way to save taxes, protect assets from creditors, and pass along as much money as possible—it is a profound opportunity to express what has been most important to you in life and to leave your heirs with a lasting message that can greatly impact their lives. Estate planning experts Adele Jeanne Emanuel and Thomas Emanuel guide you beyond cold, dry, legalistic estate planning and introduce personal communication, love, compassion, and understanding to the process. Their seasoned advice, real-life examples, and straightforward tools will get you started on creating your own perfect last impression.

“I have never read a book, written for the public, which handles estate planning as well as this one.”

—Alan Lenefsky, attorney and judge

“Every loving parent and every thoughtful estate owner must read this book!”

—James W. Beall, administrative law judge

“Everyone needs this book … until we read this book we never understood in such a crystal clear manner what impact our actions would have on our loved ones.”

—Scott and Shannon Peck, cofounders of The Love Center and authors of The Love You Deserve and Liberating Your Magnificence ... Read more

Product Description
NOTE:Distributed for the South Carolina Bar CLE Division needs to appear much like our "new in Paperback" designationsDistributed for the South Carolina Bar CLE DivisionThe Book of Estate Planning Questions and Answers by Albert C. Todd III is a reference guide to estate planning in South Carolina. Writing in a question-and-answer format, Todd includes questions most frequently asked by clients during the course of his more than twenty-seven years of estate planning practice.While the Book of Estate Planning Questions and Answers provides a practical, down-to-earth overview of complex questions, it should not serve as a substitute for qualified legal advice.Attorneys will benefit by providing the book as a reference for clients, while laypeople can use it as a preparation guide when seeking assistance from an estate planning lawyer.

Simply put, this book contains the answers to the questions that the author finds most people ask.Written in a simple, conversational tone that is not packed with "legalese," it includes concrete examples and illustrative diagrams. It is not written to be read from cover to cover, but rather on the premise that most people will look up specific topics or questions of concern to their particular cases, such as trusts, wills, powers of attorney, health care power of attorney, living wills, avoiding probate, and making gifts to reduce the value of one’s estate.

The Book of Estate Planning Questions and Answers is just what its name implies—a straightforward resource based on the most commonly asked estate planning questions. Unintimidating, insightful, and, most of all, practical, this book offers the perfect starting point for planning one’s estate—no matter how large or small. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn How To:1. Select the Right Nursing Home2. Get The Best Possible Care3. Finance Care Without Going Broke4. Recognize and Prevent Neglect and Abuse ... Read more