A Family Guide to Wills, Funerals, and Probate

by Hughes, Theodore E.; Klein, David

• ISBN13: 9780816045501
• ISBN10: 081604550X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-06-01
• Publisher: Facts on File

Summary

Benjamin Franklin said, "in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." Yet few people want to think about death, and fewer still know how to properly plan for it, often leaving families to deal with confusing financial concerns in today's world of banks and brokers, probate courts, federal and state tax authorities, and other government agencies.

A Family Guide to Wills, Funerals & Probate is an essential guide for someone planning an estate or for a family confronted with legal and financial issues in the wake of a death. Completely updated, this volume explains wills and how they function, how to plan for probate and death taxes, making final arrangements and negotiating with funeral directors, settling assets and closing the estate, and much more.

Coverage includes:
-- Sample documents: a will, living will, uniform donor card, and letter of authority
-- Tables explaining state laws and regulations
-- State requirements governing wills and funeral practices
-- Alternatives to funerals
-- How to assign guardianships for children

Table of Contents

List of Documents	v
List of Tables	vi
Part 1 MAKING LIFE EASIER FOR YOUR SURVIVORS
Introduction	3	(4)
Your Will and Its Functions	7	(24)
Avoiding Probate Administration and Death Taxes	31	(30)
Preparing for Possible Disability	61	(24)
Your Letter of Instruction	85	(18)
Funerals---and Some Alternatives	103	(16)
When Death Seems Imminent	119	(22)
PART 2 COPING WITH A DEATH IN THE FAMILY
A Note to Survivors	137	(4)
Body Disposal and Funeral Rites	141	(14)
Negotiating with Funeral Directors	155	(20)
The Will: Guardianships and Other First Steps	175	(10)
Sorting Out the Assets	185	(30)
Settling and Closing the Estate	215	(24)
Index	239

Supplemental Materials

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The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

Excerpts

Praise for the previous edition:
The dual perspective of this
guide is especially valuable...Extremely helpful...—Booklist
In this world nothing is certain but death and
taxes, said Benjamin Franklin. Yet few people want to think about death, and fewer still know how
to properly plan for it, often leaving families to deal with confusing financial
concerns in today's world of banks and brokers, probate courts, federal and
state tax authorities, and other government agencies.
A Family Guide to Wills, Funerals and Probate is an essential guide for
someone planning an estate or for a family confronted with legal and financial
issues in the wake of a death. Completely updated, this volume explains wills
and how they function, how to plan for probate and death taxes, making final
arrangements and negotiating with funeral directors, settling assets and closing
the estate, and much more.
Coverage includes:
Sample documents, such as a will, living will, uniform donor card, and letter of
authority
Tables explaining state laws and regulations
State requirements governing wills and funeral practices
Alternatives to funerals
How to assign guardianships for children
Tips on avoiding estate taxes.

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