Customer Reviews

The Complete Book of Wills, Estates & Trusts, Third Edition

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The problem seems to be that the author originally thought he was writing "The complete book of Wills and Estates" and would save Trusts for a followup book. The chapters on wills and estates are entertaining, informative, useful, and even easy to read (something I thought would never be possible in a legal book -- even a pop-level legal book). The author is able to make the legal concepts seem alive and useful through clever writing, amusing or relevant real-life scenarios, and thoughtful what-ifs.

Unfortunately, the chapter on trusts is lacking. It feels unorganized and rushed. Sections duplicate each other or sections from the previous chapters. There are no amusing anecdotes; the sample scenarios are contrived and make it harder rather than easier to pay attention -- it is at the level I expected from a pop legal book. The pacing is very poor. All of the similarly-named trusts blur into each other. There are quite a few spelling, wording, and other typographical errors in this chapter (I found none in the prior chapters).

Nonetheless, I would recommend the book for giving the details of an overview. A consultation with an actual attorney knowledgable about the laws of your state is still advisable, as the book is already out-of-date. But this will help you understand things better and have a more intelligent conversation. It will also help disabuse you of any notions that inheritance law comes close to making intuitive sense.

This is my favorite book on estate planning (and I have read several). It is complete, easy to read and even entertaining.

The book is full of practical and in depth legal concepts. Well written and organized, and even humorous with his many examples. The full course.

This book was in perfect shape and was exactly what I ordered. I wish it would have arrived quicker but that is my only complaint!