The Complete Book of Wills, Estates & Trusts: Advice That Can Save You Thousands of Dollars in Legal Fees and Taxes

by Alexander A. Bove, Jr., Melissa Langa

The classic legal guide with more than 100,000 copies in print—now substantially updated and revised!

Whether grappling with modest or extensive assets, The Complete Book of Wills, Estates & Trusts has long been the indispensable guide for protecting an estate for loved ones. In this completely revised fourth edition, updated to cover the latest changes in estate law, attorneys Alexander A. Bove, Jr., and Melissa Langa synthesize their decades of field and classroom experience into honest, clear, and entertaining explanations of a host of complex legal topics, including:

• How to create a will and living trust
• How to use a trust to avoid probate and legal complications
• How trusts work and how to use trusts to save taxes
• How to contest a will and how to avoid a contest
• How to settle an estate or make a claim against one
• How to establish a durable power of attorney
• How to protect assets from creditors

In their straightforward and humorous style, Bove and Langa share easy-to-understand legal definitions and savvy advice on everything from taxes to choosing the right attorney, all illustrated with entertaining examples and actual cases. This is the best and only legal guide readers will ever need to ensure that their money and holdings remain in the family.

Genres: Nonfiction, Personal Finance, Business, Reference

416 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2021

Reviews

[Susan's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jim Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, thorough and easy-to-read book on its subject, written in plain English, it demystifies the process of setting up and managing these very important legal and financial vehicles.

[oohlalabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could not have arrive at a better time as my husband is making plans to set up a will for our family. This is a revised fourth edition, updated to cover the latest changes in estate law. Attorneys Bove and Langa presents such topics (how to create a will & living trust, how to contest a will, how to settle an estate, etc.) in an easy to understand language, offering great examples and ideas! I would recommend this as a guidance to anyone who is thinking about or in the process of wills and estates.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Yasir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative but a very dry read.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Vicky · Rating 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.

[Jaime Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

not a beginners guide for simple estates

It is complex, but how complex is our tax code. Far more wide ranging coverage of trusts than “do it yourself living trust” guide. This gives far more detail than beginners guides to trusts and can scare people. In some cases it is clear which type of estate or assets the particular type of trust would benefit, in others not so much. I think it does a good job of letting you know what is possible before getting professional help.

[Abbey Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comprehensive look at estate planning. It defines all the parts of the process, the different elements, what you should have set up for various situations, and the pros and cons of each. It is a great book to have as a reference and guide. The information is a lot to process at one time so something that will need to be reviewed at different points of need.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

In fairness to the author, I cannot give any stars accurately to this book as I indeed to use it for a resource. I may not pull it off the shelf for some time. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review

[Ethan Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid reference guide, would like more figures and visualizations.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book to be full of great information and plan to utilize it to help my wife and I complete our estate planning process.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have more questions after reading this than before. But at least I know what to ask...making the initial meeting and the overall price for such a meeting less consuming.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent comprehensive explanation of wills and trusts and all their variations. Once you read it, you'll either feel better about using software, or you'll feel overwhelmed and want to meet with a lawyer.

[Ida Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

July 15th 2024 - BORRRED TO DEATH but its Death and Taxes what can you do.

Good read must re-reaad again next year and dive into getting my "will" together