The Executor's Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Settling an Estate for Personal Administratives, Administrators, and Beneficiaries

by Theodore E. Hughes

Praise for the previous
"Highly recommended..." —Library Journal

A step-by-step guide to settling an estate.

Settling an estate after a loved one has passed on can be a difficult and complicated experience if you don't have the right information. The Executor's Handbook, Third Edition acts as a step-by-step guide to settling an estate for personal representatives, administrators, and beneficiaries. It provides all the information necessary to understand the role of executor, to determine if you are the right person for the job, and to carry out the various functions. From the provisions of a will to key legal terms to liquidating assets, this volume explains all the aspects of an executor's duties.

All information in this edition has been thoroughly updated and revised to cover the latest rules and procedures. Updates include the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, which revised federal gift and estate tax law, as well as all state law tables.

New and updated coverage

Genres: Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Greg Buckmaster]

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.]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Well written & informative.

[Hom Sack]

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

[Pat]

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.