The Complete Book of Wills, Estates & Trusts (4th Edition)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

Chock full of information that is easy to understand. A great resource to have.

Excellent book to read before planning your estate. Explained different ways of doing things, including pros and cons. Up to date information. Highly recommend.

This book answered many legal questions that can haunt a person, especially in the areas of what and how to take care of legal matters so those left behind don't have to deal with them. I appreciated the information was reader-friendly in being able to understand the importance of planning and how to plan accordingly. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #NetGalley #TheCompleteBookOfWillsEstates&Trusts

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This 4th edition updates the current probate laws in the U.S. (they are somewhat similar to those of Canada). The author points out major issues that often cause problems in will planning and estate probate - spousal interests in certain properties, the role of trusts and intended use, etc. Some states have totally different approaches to spousal rights. The author provides some interesting anecdotes and case histories to illustrate his point.

Will you be able to probate your own estate using this guide? I doubt it, but you will certainly be much more informed and will be able to navigate the many pitfalls involved in preparing your will or acting as an executor or trustee of an estate or trust.

Written in easy to understand language that still manages to be comprehensive, given the national scope of this guide to laymen and professionals.. Highly recommended. 5 out of 5.

My husband and I need to update our will because it was written when our children were in high school. Both are kids now are married with children of there own so I do believe it’s time to get on the ball and research the new laws and regulations.

This book is the most comprehensive book and put together in clear concise steps that a novice can read it and understand. I think the author did a remarkable job in laying it out and giving reference points and even scenarios of case histories of actual Wills that were executed by people and how there estates were handled.

I definitely would recommend this book to anyone looking for information regarding updating or learning about the process of doing a Will.
I personally think anyone who is out on there own and with a job needs a Will because we are never promised a tomorrow and people need to know your wishes.

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

This is an exhaustive resource of knowledge for understanding wills, estates, and trusts. It won't replace guidance on local law, or actual legal advice from a lawyer, but it's perfect for helping individuals and families prepare for a lawyer to review the documents and for insight on the decision-making needed. It's very comprehensive and explains the content in layperson terms, while remaining legally accurate with useful anecdotes. The writing is easy to comprehend, while still covering a ton of material without watering it down.

My main complaint was that I was little put off by the Special Note to Readers at the beginning. Although the legal concepts the book writes about are fully accurate, the authors took "some liberties with the facts of selected actual legal controversies or documents". I would rather have a more dry but not embellished version of the anecdotes. Along these same lines, I found some of the language around the examples and examples themselves a bit superfluous. The content was already great, these extra parts just add bulk and extra text for the reader to go through.

Great refresher. I'm now out of the legal field but that doesn't stop people from seeking help. Wills and Estates, I knew the basics. This informed me while updating me on changes and things forgotten. I think this is a good book for the lay person seeking to do thier own planning as well as updating and refreshing those of us who have forgotten details and changed careers. It's a book I'll refer to again.

Lots of great information but you need to be interested in the subject. I read the 4th edition and it is up to date and clear and concise. It covers:
o Make a will
o Settle an estate
o Make a claim against an estate
o Contest a will
o Create a living trust
o Avoid probate and taxes
This subject is something most people don't worry about until it's too late and as the book points out it's better to be prepared.

Anyone looking to research what goes in to a will and if paying a lawyer is necessary should get their hands on this book. If you have any property, or need to state anything upon your death this book gives you an easy in depth approach to do it yourself.

What did I like? As you get older and older people think about a will so that when we die we don’t leave our family to fight over what we leave behind. This is an easy book to follow about leaving a will and what issues to avoid. Even if you pay a lawyer in the end to write your will, this book gives you an idea of what to expect. Five stars for an easy guide to estate planning.

Would I recommend or buy? Yes to both. Great guide if you can’t afford a lawyer but even if you can afford one it helps you know what to expect. I’m not leaving behind millions but I don’t want my family to fight over it. When my mother died she promised the same item to ten people and fighting ensued. Quick and easy guide with a wealth of information!

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!

This book came at a perfect time for my family. My father has been in business with his brother for forty years and is looking to retire. They own a small chain of stores and this has lots of valuable info.