Your Estate Matters

"Patti Spencer has learned everything there is to know on this subject and has written down a good bit of it in this book. This is a tremendous help to individuals as they try to sort out their estate and tax planning needs." - Matthew J. Creme, Jr. Partner at Nikolaus & Hohenadel LLP, Former President of the PA Bar Association "When it comes to estate planning and tax law, there's simply no one better than Patti Spencer. She demystifies estate planning in a way that is accessible for all. Known for her no nonsense style and humor, this book is a must-have for anyone making their estate plans or just trying to understand the process." - Samuel Bressi, President & CEO of Lancaster County Community Foundation "I have read Patti Spencer's newspaper column on a weekly basis for several years now, and never tire of learning more about estate planning and tax law. Patti manages to take complicated issues and reduce them to their simplest form." - David Griffith, Former Business Editor at Intelligencer Journal We don't intend to neglect our estate and financial plans, but it is so easy to be overwhelmed with conflicting financial advice. Your Estate Matters will bring clarity to those pesky, rapidly changing tax laws and will provide you with the accurate information you need to properly manage your estate. Your Estate Matters offers a practical down-to-earth approach that explains the ins and outs of estate planning, tax savings, and other issues that directly affect your family's pocketbook: income tax, living wills, trusts, prenuptial agreements, college savings, and retirement planning. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, are ready to plan your own estate, have aging parents, or have recently retired, this is the book you need to read.

Covers everything from the basics about wills and living trusts to sophisticated tax-saving strategies for all estates, large and small.

This book presents an easier way to handle estate planning, which the author calls the family meeting way. holding a family meeting to plan an estate is usually the easiest method because it allows the family to talk openly about the issues, ask questions, and work together. Ensure your family plans for the future without fighting! Use the steps in this book to plan ahead, hold meetings with your family, learn how to document the plan, and make it legal.

Wills and estates matters can be complex and emotional. Many people feel that whatever has happened to derail an estate is the result of someone acting in a way that is selfish, greedy, or even criminal. Sometimes someone wants to stop abuse or fraud, or simply ensure the deceased’s wishes are carried out. Perhaps financial support from the estate is warranted and not received. Often, these types of issues need to be brought before the courts to be resolved. Contesting a Will without a Lawyer: The DIY guide for Canadians not only informs the reader of the types of lawsuits that touch on estates matters and what is involved in each to help with the decision of whether or not to sue over an estate dispute; it is also for those who decide to go ahead with a lawsuit on their own, to help them navigate paperwork and the court system. It answers questions such as: • What are the legal grounds for contesting a will? • What are the pros and cons of starting a lawsuit about a will? • What evidence will I need and how do I get it? • How long does it take? • Are there steps I should take before starting the lawsuit? • What forms do I need and how do I use them? • Do I need a lawyer or can I handle this myself? • Will the estate or the other side cover my costs? Author and lawyer Lynne Butler offers factual and straightforward explanations in this indispensable book for anyone considering estate litigation. The download kit contains: • Statement of Claim • Caveats • Checklists to help you on your way — And more!

Popular author and Senior Wills and Estate Planner Lynne Butler offers her latest in an ongoing series of estate planning advice. In this title, Ms. Butler tackles the rarely discussed personal liability of appointed executors. Personal liability is the biggest risk that estate executors and administrators can face, sometimes resulting in long drawn out dissolution of estates that can even trump the value of the initial estate. Understanding how to avoid the pitfalls through this process means that you can enjoy the benefits of being a benefactor exactly as intended in the will. Beneficiaries will also find this book useful, when they want to understand better what an executor can and cannot do.

Wills & Estate Planning For Canadians For Dummies walks you through the steps of planning your estate. This friendly guide will help you Reduce the tax you or your estate will pay Plan for your children's future Leave a charitable legacy Decipher the legal lingo in wills Prepare a living will to ensure you get the treatment you want Hire an estate planning team that will meet your needs Through practical advice from expert authors, this book helps you ensure that your affairs are in order, and your loved ones will be looked after.

You will be introduced to these new approaches in our informative and comprehensive new book Estate Planning for What Matters Most: Pass on Your Wisdom and Priceless Moments. This book goes far deeper than most guides to estate planning, while still introducing new ways of thinking about your legacy in an easy-to-understand and readable fashion.If you are not 100% sure you have put the right plans in place to fully protect your assets and autonomy while addressing the needs of your modern family, this book is for you.