The Executor's Guide: Settling a Loved One's Estate or Trust

Settling an estate can be like moving through a maze -- let The Executor's Guide lead the way.

If you're faced with wrapping up the affairs of a loved one who has died, you may feel overwhelmed by all the work ahead -- especially when you're grieving. But with the right legal and practical information, you can do it.

The Executor's Guide will help you get organized and make progress one step at a time, by assisting you in navigating an unfamiliar land of legal procedures and terminology. It explains how to:

prepare for the job of executor or trustee

take your first steps

claim life insurance, Social Security and other benefits

make sense of a will

what to do if there is no will

determine whether probate is necessary

care for children and their property

file taxes

deal with family members

handle trusts

look up your state's laws

work with lawyers, appraisers, accountants and other experts

This edition contains updated tables outlining key points of each state's laws, the latest information on estate taxes and worksheets that help you stay organized and on track.