The American Estate Planning Guide (Paperback)

Paperback. The American Estate Planning Guide was written for people who want to understand estate planning before they sit down with an attorney. Paul Rabalais, an estate planning attorney who has practiced since 1991, explains the most important concepts in clear, practical language rather than legal jargon.Inside, you'll learn: The most common estate planning mistakes-and how to avoid themWhat happens if you become incapacitatedWhat a will does and does not accomplishHow probate worksWhen a revocable living trust may make senseWhy beneficiary designations are so importantHow to plan for children and grandchildrenHow family communication can help prevent conflictHow to organize your affairs so your family can find what they needHow to address blended families, businesses, special-needs beneficiaries, and other special planning situationsWhy estate planning differs significantly from state to stateHow to turn what you've learned into a practical estate planning action planThis book is not intended to turn you into an estate planning lawyer. Its purpose is to help you become an informed consumer-someone who understands the documents, the decisions, the people involved, and the questions to ask when working with an estate planning attorney.Throughout the book, one message remains central: while many estate planning principles apply nationwide, the laws and procedures used to implement those principles vary from state to state. A good estate plan must reflect both your family's circumstances and the laws of the state where you live.Whether you're creating your first estate plan, reviewing an existing one, helping aging parents, or simply trying to make things easier for the people you love, The American Estate Planning Guide will give you a clearer understanding of the planning process and greater confidence about what to do next.Estate planning isn't simply about preparing for death. It's about making life easier for the people you love. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…