Joseph Geist takes a job as a "conversationalist" for a wealthy, enigmatic woman who offers him a place to stay in her big, beautiful house. But as his friendship with his employer evolves from conversationalist to lodger to caretaker, Joseph finds himself at odds with the woman's troubled nephew, and decides to do whatever is necessary to maintain his position.

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.

David Edey wants to save you a lot of trouble! In this self-help book he clearly, concisely, and repeatedly explains why it is important that every individual appoint an executor of their estate; what it means to be an executor of an estate; and how having a knowledgeable and responsible executor can help ensure a family’s wealth, welfare, health, and future happiness. The book is filled with advice, tips, and many real-life examples demonstrating what can go wrong (and what can go right), depending on whether or not families plan accordingly in advance, communicate clearly with one another, and are willing to put petty and selfish differences aside. No one likes talking about death and inheritances before they absolutely have to, but as Edey learned from personal experience, having these conversations earlier, rather than later, will save a lot of time and money, alleviate a ton of stress and ill feeling, and ensure that the deceased’s wishes are properly and efficiently carried out.

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).

'Exquisitely metered, intimate and yet profound, glimmeringly intelligent...A worthwhile, interesting and impressive achievement’ Edward Docx, Guardian What matters most: fidelity or art? Marriage or friendship? The wishes of the living or the talents of the dead? Literary executor Matt Holmes finds himself considering these questions sooner than he thinks when his friend, the poet Robert Pope, dies unexpectedly. A trail of clues Rob has left within his archives leads Matt to a series of shocking discoveries that begins to unsettle everything he thought he knew about his friend. Should Matt conceal what he has found or share it? After all, it’s not just Rob’s reputation that could be transformed forever...

Presents a comprehensive guide for readers who need help understanding the basics of the procedures that settle an estate.