Estate Planning Smarts: A Practical, User-Friendly, Action-Oriented Guide, 4th Edition

"A terrific guide for people who are just beginning to grapple with estate planning, as well as those who have (or think they have) their affairs in order." --The Wall Street Journal Written by a lawyer, award-winning journalist and popular speaker. A free update, reflecting the 2017 tax law, is available at estateplanningsmarts.com.No one lives forever. So why leave anything to chance? This best-selling book can help you tackle a potentially difficult and very emotional process. In plain English, it explains: When to re-do your will Mistakes people make when trying to avoid probate Rules for IRA inheritors How to hire a lawyer Key documents to protect yourself if you become ill or disabled How to appoint a guardian for children How custodial accounts and 529 plans affect financial aid The fourth edition, which replaces earlier editions, is completely revised to include how income taxes affect estate planning, the pros and cons of credit shelter trusts and the law on planning for same-sex couples. Celebrity case studies illustrate estate planning strategies and mistakes by, among others: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, James Gandolfini, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Updike and Adam Yauch.Placed in the 2017 Eric Hoffer Awards.