Review of book recommended by American Bar Association
I was dissapointed with the book. I tried to look up the word "situs," but it wasn't there. Every other page of the book, it seemed, emphasized the importance of seeing a lawyer. This makes me think, the ABA, is an organization, whose main purpose is to promote the prosperity of attorneys - just like the ADA is for dentists - and the AMA is for Doctors. Most of the public thinks the ADA and AMA are "watchdog" orgaizations, they are not. I always thought the purpose of the ABA was to regulate attorneys, but apparently it has similairties to the ADA, and AMA, in that it's main purposes is securing busienss for it's members.
Another book I have purchased is much better. It even advises that lots of attorneys make mistakes where Trust Law & Estate Planning is concerned, and how important it is to find the right attorney. From the little bit I read of the ABA recommended book, I doubt I would find anything like that, in the book. And then again, the index in the back seems to be especially lame.
Not helpful
The ABA should be ashamed. This is not a book designed to inform but a list of reasons to see a lawyer. Interested in software to help. They cover that topic saying "since lawyers generally charge less for less complicated estates, you may be able to gain the benefits and flexibility of real legal advice for little more than the cost ofa computerized will kit." They let you know that "many alternative estate providers fail to inform you when there may be abetter (or cheaper) way to accomplish your goals" implying that the infallible lawyers always do so.
Want to use a statutory will - they'll tell you why you should use a lawyer instead.
Interested in learning about benificiary deeds they tell you "Your lawyer can explain the ins and outs of your state's law relating to beneficiary deeds."
Here's another very informative passage "Your lawyer can help you figure out which is which, so that you know what property you can transfer through estate planning."
Setting up a trust "you should surely use a lawyer to set one up. * If the trust is for the benefit of your minor children, ..."
How about this gem from page 44 "...should be coordinated with your estate plan, preferably with the assistance of your lawyer."
Or this one from page 46 "Check with your lawyer to see whether your state permits this arrangement and whether it's a good idea for your situation."
Want a well crafted will? Your infallible lawyer can help "craft your language so that no ambiguities remain that might invite a court challenge. Your lawyer can help you do that."
Don't ask practical questions, like which states allow statutory wills, those aren't answered.
Just What the Doctor Ordered
This is an excellent book. It answered all of my questions about handling my estate, and it answered many questions that never occurred to me. The writing is straightforward and easily understood. The title is THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION GUIDE TO WILLS AND TRUSTS, but it covers a good deal more: steps to help your family now; estate plans; avoiding or reducing estate taxes; transferring property without a will; securing long-term care help; and many other topics relating to managing your estate and passing it on to your heirs. This is a very useful book.
The American Bar Association wants you confused.
Don't be a sucker. The ABA is not going to help you understand the probate or non-probate system. I have been a lawyer for over twenrty years, and I can't understand what they are trying to say. They want you to give up rather than understand the tools of estate planning. I am the author of "Everything A Baby Boomer Should Know -- An Insider's Guide To Estate Planning." Compare it to the contents of this ABA book. The difference is that the ABA book is nothing more than another textbook that speaks over your head. Read my book and truly understand how the system works for you. I promise.
Good Guide to Estate Planning
Thorough and fairly easy to understand. It does a particularly clear discussion of trusts.
