Read Online Estate Planning Basics Denis Clifford Attorney 9781413316216 Books

Product details Series Estate Planning Basics Paperback 232 pages Publisher NOLO; 6 edition (September 4, 2011) Language English ISBN-10 1413316212

Estate Planning Basics Denis Clifford Attorney 9781413316216 Books Reviews

• The most valuable advice I found in the book was on how to do some basic, but important strategies to avoid probate courts when you or your loved one with assets dies. This advice is invaluable and should save you immense headaches, and help keep the money in your hands rather than probate courts and attorneys, along with long delays in the distribution of assets. (Even a good will does not exempt you from probate.) Also, some "junior bankers" and financial advisers might not now about these strategies, e.g. setting up a "living trust" for valuable properties, except for cars. I found myself on one occasion knowing more than, what seemed to be, a junior banker did.
• Very clear, concise and important information that gave me the tools to create a basic will and estate plan. Saved me hours and hours of legal fees as it answered so many questions including how to avoid unnecessary legal and probate fees when only one spouse dies. Clarified that issue and that alone was well worth the price of the book. Cuts thru all the legal BS you get from pricey estate planners and attorneys.
• The basics of estate planning are considered in plain language and useful examples. My complaints are that the estate planning process is portrayed as simpler than it actually is. It is actually extremely complicated. Also, the book is a catalog for the various other books related to estate planning by Nolo press that are recommended by the author.
• For those like me with fairly non-complicated estate planning needs, this book should suffice. It covers pretty much everything including how to name who will take care of young children.
  
  The major methods for avoiding probate are covered. I think these things could be done without an attorney for most people, although there are probably many ways to make regrettable mistakes. A lot of these things would never occur to me absent a crisis such as transfer of death car registration.
  
  My favorite sections are "Estate Tax" and "Reducing Federal Estate Taxes." It's great to know that some people have an incentive to make cash gifts, thanks to Uncle Sam.
  
  This is an easy-to-read guide that will serve as a reference source for many years depending on how quickly the law changes with respect to estates. It's likely that this introductory book won't cover the specific issues one might face, but it's a good start.
• 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 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!
• The book was written so that concepts were easy to understand. I read this book from front to back before meeting with my estate planner. It helped me to understand what he was saying and contribute to the final planning for retirement. Helps you to understand why certain things should be approached in particular way. A definite must read before you meet your estate planner for the first time.
• This book is a very good introduction to intelligent estate planning. It served the exact purpose that prompted me to buy it...reading it gave me a good working knowledge of the estate planning process, some red flags, some suggested courses of action, and some tax considerations. Having 2 parents over 80, I feel I can now discuss estate planning with them and a professional planner......and understand what he/she is saying.