Book Review: Plan Your Estate

Plan Your Estate is a comprehensive book designed to teach readers planning techniques for successfully transferring their property to loved ones after their death. It covers everything from estate planning basics and probate avoidance to funerals and estate issues after death.

Filled with Examples

The book begins by discussing how to deal with personal issues, such as choosing an executor, leaving unequal amounts to children, and disinheritance. Though not designed as a substitute for consulting an estate planning attorney, it discusses just about everything one would need to know to be informed about how to plan an estate. Chapters coverwills, various ways to avoid probate, how to reduce estate taxes, trusts that control property, special considerations for family businesses, and what to look for in a lawyer.

Helpful Comparison Charts

The book includes charts to help compare different estate planning devices, including methods of gifting to minors, strategies to avoid probate, and the development of charitable trusts. It also has a worksheet to help readers inventory property and provides a list of state law exemptions from probate for small estates and a list of state inheritance tax rules. One note, though: this book is not for residents of Louisiana. Louisiana law is different from other state estate planning laws and is not discussed here.

After learning the basics of estate planning, reach out to an estate planning attorney near you to begin the process of protecting your family's future.