Plan Your Estate

by Denis Clifford

When you're thinking about estate planning, you want to make sure that you choose the right plan for your family. Turn to Plan Your Estate, Nolo's bestselling book of estate planning essentials. Get straightforward, plain-English explanations of every significant estate-planning option available, so you can make the best decisions for you and those you love. Let Nolo's bestseller Plan Your Estate show you how avoid probate leave property through a will or trust use life insurance to provide for your loved ones name a guardian for your minor child leave property to a young person plan for incapacity implement strategies specific to business owners reduce estate taxes make final arrangements This edition is completely revised with the latest federal and state laws, plus updated estate and gift tax information, and enhanced discussions about 529 plans, same-sex marriage, tax-saving trusts, and retirement benefits.

Genres: Nonfiction, Personal Finance, Reference, Finance, Business, Self Help, Law

539 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I participated in some on-base financial counseling regarding setting up estate plans and they lent this book to me. Man, it took forever for me to read through it all! It's got a ton of information and while I feel like I have a better grasp on the different options available, I'm still not sure if I know which avenue is the right one for our family. My next step will likely be to talk with an estate planning expert and see what they recommend. This is definitely not a do-it-yourself book, but more of a primer to educate yourself before talking to a professional.

There are a lot of examples in this book (with a very multicultural approach to the names given in the examples!) and although the authors couldn't possibly provide an example of every situation, they did cover a spectrum of situations. The edition I read was published in 2000, so I know there are updates (and we are waiting for more changes) to the tax codes regarding death taxes, but it was still helpful. I'll be very interested to see what Congress decides to do for 2011 and beyond.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center lent me another, similar book on estate planning and I'm not sure if I'll get through all of that one before I have to give it back. But overall, I think I've got the gist of what we'll need to do.

new words: nuncupative, holographic

[Cheryl]

Just like the other however many related books I've examined, there are bits I've not found elsewhere, and bits I have that are not here. I will say though that this seems like one of the most complete of all. And I see it's got a recent update, 2022, which matters. (Of course who knows what's going to happen under the administration that got the Big B** Bill passed... all we can do is the best we can do.) If you buy the book, apparently you can get free updates... see Nolo.com.

I don't have a lot of notes here below because this time I made a few photocopies and made notes into my own working document. Trust me, this book has a *lot*... but also remember that it won't necessarily all apply to you, for example minor children, pets, if you're very wealthy...sections will be skippable.

I need to remember that if we leave the house to my brother, we need to include the furnishings.

Even if you have a living will/revocable trust, you still need a will (and an executor).

"The easiest way to find out what information your state requires, if any,[in a certification of trust aka abstract of trust] is to ask the financial institution you're working with."

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually read the 3rd edition (Copyright 1996). Very good book for the new professional to gain a better understanding of basic concepts. Of course, the laws have changed tremendously over the past 23 years, but I hazard to guess that the newer additions are just a beneficial as this one was for me back in the day.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, particularly in matters of trusts and ownership.

[Laura]

Since published in 1998, not very helpful.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive and covers many scenarios which is extremely useful for estate planning. I read it all the way through (skipping the parts that don’t pertain to me) but I think its greater value is as a reference guide when the time comes for certain situations. I’ve had a living trust for years so I wasn’t unfamiliar with the concepts but this book was still useful in providing information I wasn’t aware of or had forgotten. It was also helpful in providing examples to illustrate the concepts being laid out.

[Doug Farren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and well-written. Some sections are rather complex and I needed to read them again. Covers my situation as well as many other situations not applicable. It's obvious this book was written for a wide audience from the single person with little possessions to the wealthy. One area I wished to see but it was only briefly mentioned was how to handle copyrights.

[Mark Zodda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a lot of fun to read, but a comprehensive book that covers all the areas that you need to know to start your estate planning. Lots of examples to help you make sense of what are sometimes complicated subjects, but the chapters break it down into digestible chunks. Now comes the hard part of actually putting the knowledge to work and crafting my own plan. Recommended.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books about Estate Planning and Trusts, etc. This book was the final one on my list and was very comprehensive. I did learn some new information. It is well written with advice on almost all aspects and very up to date. This book also explains what you can do yourself and when it is best to hire (and how to) hire a lawyer.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview I suppose - was thinking it would have been really helpful to get a high-level flowchart of how to think about the different scenarios one might find themselves in and narrow down what estate planning vehicle might make the most sense as a way of both making the content more practical / applicable and as a way of organizing the book itself.

[Dave Hale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very eye-opening. Not your typical, fast-paced riveting 'who dunnit' novel, but a masterfully compiled resource aimed at people who want to be proactive about their estate planning. Examples used throughout the text were really helpful. So much to absorb - I will have to go back through and re-read several chapters before I set out to do any planning on my own. Highly recommended!

[CraftyBirdies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the most helpful of the estate books I have read. Offers pros and cons of a ton of options, which helps indicate what questions should be considered and asked. I read the 2014 edition and it is updated every two years. A must read if you are estate planning!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent resource; explains many specific state issues that can't be found online. Outlines all estate planning basics and all of the different Trusts that can be used

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful resource.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful, but dry.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive overview of estate preparation, but far more complicated than the average person or couple is likely to need, and therefore unneessarily confusing in places.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide. -1 star for ignoring the importance of long term care insurance in states with partnership programs.

[Y]

Necessary.

[Matt Heavner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and comprehensive in planning (and understanding / deciphering) trusts.

[Spectre · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent introduction for those considering methods to pass along the possessions earned over a lifetime of work and saving to those considered worthy.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent overview but a little weaker than I'd like re certain options and when to seek professional help (hint: almost always).

[Will Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid overview for anybody with interest in the subject. Unsurprisingly dry but informative nonetheless.

[Jim Blessing · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent read in this subject