Executor's Guide: Settling a Loved One's Estate or Trust (Paperback)

by Mary Randolph J.D. Nolo Senior Vice President of Editorial (Author)
Key Phrases: notice concerning fiduciary relationship, limited partnerships, other retirement plans, Social Security, New York, Minors Act (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Covers such topics as taking care of orphaned young children, dealing with creditors, collecting benefits and filing taxes." -- WTOP-FM,Washington, D.C.

"Covers the gamut of estate chores and helps you get through them." -- Kiplinger's Retirement Report

"Explains how to find state-specific information, and an appendix sorts legalities by state." -- Miami Herald

"Provides a guide for executors and trustees, describing legal procedures and terminology, what to expect, decisions that will need to be made, and questions to ask." -- Reference & Research Book News

Product Description
Settling an estate can be like moving through a maze -- let The Executor's Guide lead the way.

If you're faced with wrapping up the affairs of a loved one who has died, you may feel overwhelmed by all the work ahead -- especially when you're grieving. But with the right legal and practical information, you can do it.

The Executor's Guide will show you how to get organized, get the help you need and make progress one step at a time. Let it help you navigate an unfamiliar land of legal procedures and terminology. It explains:

preparing for the job of executor or trustee

the first steps to take

claiming life insurance, Social Security and other benefits

making sense of a will

what to do if there is no will

how to determine whether probate is necessary

caring for children and their property

taxes

an overview of probate court proceedings

dealing with family members

handling trusts

looking up your state's laws

working with lawyers, appraisers, accountants and other experts

The 3rd edition contains updated tables outlining key points of each state's laws, the latest information on estate taxes and worksheets that help you stay organized and on track.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 507 pages
• Publisher: NOLO; 3 edition (February 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1413306551
• ISBN-13: 978-1413306552
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,040 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Business & Investing > Personal Finance > Personal Taxes
  #4 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Law > Taxation > Estates & Trusts
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE book to have when you're loved one dies!, December 10, 2005

By	J. G. Renauer "Tech Dude" (Naperville, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Executor's Guide: Settling a Loved One's Estate or Trust (Paperback)

It hard enough when your parent unexpectedly dies and you discover you are the executor of the estate. There are so many questions and so little time. This book is a godsend. It covers everything you need to know from the moment your loved one passes. It describes step by step, in plain english fashion, what needs to be done in the first week, the first month, and in the future. Everything from death certificates, to funeral arrangements, to claiming life insurance, and, of course, dealing with the estate. It's all in this book. It is your one-stop resource for unbiased, easy to understand, how-to information. This is THE book to have even if you are not an executor. It will help your entire family. It answers so many questions and takes the mystery out of settling an estate. It's like having an estate attorney in the family. It has helped my family tremendously.

Books from Nolo Press have always been easy to understand and use. This book is no exception and contiunes their fine tradition of making legal processes accessible to ordinary folks like you and me.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helped me through a difficult time !, August 26, 2005

By	Moni (California) - See all my reviews

It's a difficult time when a loved one dies and many of us don't have a clue about what to do and weather or not to hire a lawyer and get some guidance...this book showed me how to ! I purchased the ebook and it's great!...(I don't know what the above reviewer is talking about)....it's very easy to read as are all the Nolo titles I have purchased in the past. I always look for their books when I need to figure out a legal problem they are the best!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Executor reviews Executor's Review, January 9, 2007

By	Darrow Simpson (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Executor's Guide: Settling a Loved One's Estate or Trust (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

An excellent guide for those of us struggling to manipulate the legal maze of probate. After having read the book, I was able to avoid asking as many questions of an attorney resulting in savings to the estate of hundreds of dollars. More importantly, I was able to deal with heirs and family members in a fair and intelligent manner. No one has been able to complain of things not being explained clearly or of the process moving too slowly. I would recommend the book to anyone who is about to administer an estate.It is a great tool for an heir or family member who simply wants to be better informed.