Estate Planning Basics

My wife and I are starting our estate planning because we have minor children. We also have a stepfamily dynamic which made things a little more complicated. After reading this book, we have a much better understanding of how to accomplish our goals, and I'll probably check out Nolo to find out how to do it ourselves. This was by no means a comprehensive "how to" book but certainly let us know what options are out there simply by providing the basics.

I loved this book. It was simply wonderful to read. The title matches up perfectly with the content. And the content is very well presented. I would have liked the book better if it had included a Glossary, but the fact that one was not included doesn't kill my high opinion of this book. Estate planning can be a VERY complicated endeavor. However, it need not be for most people. And this book is aimed at presenting the basics regarding estate planning for the average Tom, Dick, or Mary. It covers wills, will substititutes, and trusts. It covers retirement planning (a little) and some on planning for incapacity. Of course, what would an estate planning book be without a little discussion on Federal Estate Taxes and techniques to reduce the bite of those taxes if you have a little larger than normal net worth. Lastly, there is some talk about lawyers that practice estate planning, and how to consider hiring one if you might have a need to do so. Nolo is noted for its self-help mentality, and this book is geared to help Nolo's target audience. If you think your net worth is significant and you will require the services of a competent estate tax planning attorney, then this book is probably not one you will want to read. However, this book does cover the basics and might be helpful to ease you into the subject. 5 stars!

This was not the first estate planning book I bought, but it was the best. Without dumbing the issues down, the author carves out manageable modules to make each chapter as clear and understandable as possible. The book features anecdotal paragraph case studies based on real-life examples to flesh out the major points. In contrast to more encylopedic approaches, and as part of the NOLO series, this book is for non-lawyers. It makes clear that estate planning is about how to avoid probate and how to arrange for the conveyance of your assets to your heirs. That is, estate planning not about tax sheltering per se. Obvious, perhaps, to a lawyer, but not to most people. Another strong point is the clear and cogent explanation of trusts. A trust is a written agreement that defines the relationship among the grantor, the trustee, and beneficiaries. Here as well, the book delivers big-time by rendering legal abstractions accessible to the general reader. What a great service!

If you have ever embarked on a mission to get your affairs in order, or to help someone get theirs in order, you know how daunting the task can seem. I bought three other books prior to this one, and wish I would have started here. The other books are vast in their expertise, but are too complex for someone getting started. This book is the perfect place to start if you want to gain knowledge about estate planning prior to either making your own will (and/or living trust), or prior to going to see a lawyer for his or her help. This book explains the essentials in simple English. It truly delivers on its sub-title, "What you need to know & nothing more". p.s. If you are going the do-it-yourself route, I recommend that your second purchase is Quicken WillMaker 2006.

This is the best book out there on Estate Planning Basics. Armed with this book and Quicken Personal Lawyer I was able to do our living trust, wills, life insurance and other estate planning documents and save the legal bills. Even if you end up using a lawyer, you should get this book first to get informed.