The step-by-step guide to serving as an executor, trustee, or estate representative If you need to wrap up the affairs of a loved one who has died, you may feel overwhelmed—especially when you’re grieving. But you can do it, and this book will show you how. The Executor’s Guide provides a clear road map through an unfamiliar land of legal procedures and terminology. You’ll learn what to do right away and what can wait. Find help on: • preparing for the job of executor or trustee • the first steps you should take after a loved one dies • claiming life insurance, Social Security, and other benefits • making sense of a will, and what to do if there is no will • how to determine whether probate is necessary • filing taxes • managing assets inherited by a minor child • probate court proceedings • handling simple trusts, and • working with lawyers, appraisers, accountants, and other experts. The 10th edition of The Executor's Guide contains updated tables that outline the key points of each state's laws. It also provides the latest information on estate tax laws. With Downloadable Worksheets: download and customize worksheets detailing information executors need to get organized, including an inventory of assets and debts (details inside).

The step-by-step guide to serving as an executor If you need to wrap up the affairs of a loved one who has died, you may feel overwhelmed—especially when you’re grieving. But you can do it, and this book will show you how. A roadmap to follow. The Executor’s Guide will lead you through an unfamiliar land of legal procedures and terminology. You’ll learn what to do right away and what can wait. Find help on: preparing for the job of executor or trustee claiming life insurance, Social Security, and other benefits making sense of a will (and what to do if there is no will) determining whether probate is necessary filing taxes navigating probate court proceedings dealing with family members handling simple trusts, and working with lawyers, appraisers, accountants, and other experts. The 9th edition contains updated tables outlining key points of each state’s laws. Applies in all states except Louisiana. With Downloadable Worksheets - download and customize worksheets detailing information executors need to get organized, including an inventory of assets and debts (details inside).

Readers say it best: "This book covers all aspects of estate settlement in a complete and thorough manner.", "The book is written in easy-to-understand terms, with lots of good practical advice.", "I actually bought it to place in my file cabinet along with my Trust documents, Living Will and other documents", "We liked it so much, I bought this book for a friend who was handling a new estate." 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.

The Executor's Handbook, Third Edition is a step-by-step guide to settling an estate for personal representatives, administrators, and beneficiaries.

"Initiate and close probate with ease, learn how to locate and manage estate assets, deal with creditors' claims, taxes and trusts, avoid the common mistakes made by many executors"--Cover.

You have been named the executor of a will by a friend or family member. Are you prepared to meet the challenge and do you know how to avoid personal liability? Thousands of individuals each year face the daunting and often painful task of settling the estate of a loved one, and even with professional guidance from attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors, they are often ill-equipped to deal with many of the tasks necessary to manage and settle an estate—and may put themselves at serious financial risk. The Executor's Guide is the definitive instruction manual for anyone administering an estate under a will. Featuring step-by-step instructions, worksheets, checklists, and timetables, The Executor's Guide takes the reader through the entire process-from the time of death to the final closing of the estate. The Executor's Guide explains the full range of roles and responsibilities of the executor, including reading the will, hiring and supervising the attorney, dealing with court proceedings, notifying those who are entitled to property, finding and valuing assets, settling with creditors, filing taxes, and distributing the assets. Unique and highly practical elements include a comprehensive Summary of Assets (from Annuities to Videos), a glossary of essential terms, and a series of key questions to ask your attorney. Written in highly accessible language by an expert in the field, The Executor's Guide is at once authoritative and user-friendly—an essential resource for any family.