The Executor's Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Settling an Estate for Personal Representatives, Administrators, and Beneficiaries, Fourth Edition

by Theodore E. Hughes, David Klein

Acting as the executor, representative, or administrator of an estate is a complicated and time-consuming task, not only in an administrative sense but often in an emotional sense as well. The Executor’s Handbook, Fourth Edition is a comprehensive guide for readers who need help understanding the basics of the procedures that settle an estate. In practical and straightforward language, it covers all aspects of estate administration, including funeral arrangements, organ donation, administering probate, dealing with the deceased's assets and liabilities, and personal representative's compensation. You will understand not only your responsibilities but the responsibilities of those who will be assisting you. Tables of state income tax rates, intestacy laws, and state-by-state probate requirements are also included, and a glossary, index, and list of recommended works complete this handbook.

Genres: Reference

260 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Greg Buckmaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Executor of my parent's will, I found this book a very comprehensive overview of the role of the Executor. The book does an excellent job on outlining the roles and possible challenges one would face as the Executor. The sections on strategies before death, avoiding probate and managing/closing the estate were especially helpful. The information in this book will enable anyone to perform the role of Executor with clarity, grace and compassion for those whose estate they are responsible to execute.

[R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful to a degree, but does not so much as cast the furtively odd glance at the problem of all the stray cats suddenly strutting, appearing and staring at you 3 am through the sliding glass door all je accuse and whatnot.

I speak mainly about Baltimore Von Gruppenstadt des St. Germaine - Blackie, for short. The cat clad in black with a chalk rub of white on its throat. I feed the fellow a chunky spoonful of of chewies now, ok, but fall (to say nothing of winter) ain't as far off as it was when we were kids.

Where did he come from? And, more importantly, where does he go?

[Jim Southard · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book contained a wealth of good information, it was probably the least useful of the several books I read on probating an estate. Although it was comprehensive and detailed, it carried detail on many issues outside the scope of executing an estate and likely irrelevant for many/most readers. It was also verbose and repetitive, making it burdensome to wade through. If you have been thrust into an executor role unexpectedly and need quick guidance on what to do, this is NOT the book to pick up. But if you are planning in advance and looking for an in-depth education at a more leisurely pace, this would be a good book to include. I still don't think it should be the ONLY book you study, however; since others do a much better job of organizing and summarizing the basic tasks. In short, this is a textbook and not a checklist.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though slightly outdated, this is an excellent resource that I would feel comfortable recommending to clients to prepare executors (although I do strive to keep things out of probate when appropriate, of course).

[Tracy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read guide to gain familiarity with “pre-death” planning and estate execution. Particularly if you are an adult child tending to elder parent(s).

[Mark A. Rioboli · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent overview of the process

Hughes & Klein did a great job clearly explaining the process. They included just the right amount of detail without over-burdening the reader.

[Josh Liller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written & informative.

[Hom Sack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only informative, but has lots of valuable advice. An excellent addition to Nolo Press' Get it Together and The Executor's Guide.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative

Answered many of the questions I had, and a few I didn't know I should ask. I feel much better prepared to handle an estate.