What Every Executor and Heir Needs to KnowThis easy-to-read guide answers all the questions every executor and heir should ask:
Who starts the probate process?
When is probate needed? And when can you avoid probate?
Where should you probate an estate? Which Country? State? County?
How long does probate take?
How much does probate cost?
What are letters testamentary?
How to settle an estate
How … cost?
more
Authenticating and processing a loved one’s last will and testament can be overwhelming especially while grieving. Not knowing what to do can make it a traumatic experience for both the executor and the beneficiaries. That’s where this book comes in.
This is an excellent general information/how-to book that is essential for anyone going through (or expecting to) the process of probating a will. Not knowing the basics can lead to unnecessary stress or fears when facing probate and starting the process with the Lawyer. This book helps to get you acquainted with the basics and.what I like most gives you examples of real life experiences.
Get a will done, it saves a lot of work. Having said that this book goes through what to do if there is no will, how to validate the will and what is the role of the executor of the will. The differences between large and small estates is reviewed. One thing that stood out for me is understanding that this process takes time. How to go through the process is clearly defined and general instructions are given to help you through the process from beginning to end.
The role of the executor is reviewed including what skill set is needed, potential pit falls and the need for legally CYA. It is a job, without pay, that takes a lot of your time, and it is important for everyone to understand what is involved. What rights the heirs have is also included along with what happens when a will is contested.
While this book is based on the USA system, as a Canadian, I found the principles the same, so I feel that no matter where you live understanding terminology and processing will be beneficial. Just know there may be differences in your country.
I liked the way things were described in this book. It was easy to follow and the examples made the concepts easier to grasp and added a lot of interest. Sometimes a how-to book can be dry. This one definitely isn’t. I like the summary at the end of the chapters, the key take always. It reinforces ideas and let’s you know if you need to reread points. Additionally, I thought the book gave accurate information in an easy to understand way. I wish I had this book to read before my recent experience in the processing of my own father’s estate. From reading this book I learned what sort of information I can gather ahead of time and include in my own will, that will help the process go smother for my children.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
How wonderful to come across a nonfiction book that promises precisely what it delivers! As the title says, this book is all about how probate works, and as the subtitle says, it is for executives, heirs, and families. The book starts with a definition of probate and other terms that are a part of the process. Then he goes into the beginnings of the probate process and follows with how to settle and close an estate. Ending chapters are specifically for executors and heirs. The last chapter looks at specific difficult situations. Each chapter ends with key takeaways. Each chapter is full of examples, so you can see that the ideas that he talks about in action. Probate is tricky business–complex, lengthy, and potentially expensive–and people have to handle it at probably one of the most challenging points in their lives, when they’re grieving someone they cared about. This straightforward, no-nonsense book is the perfect antidote so you don’t have probate overwhelm.