When I received a complimentary copy of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights, I was skeptical. I'm not a tabloid fan and haven't paid much attention to celebrity fortune battles. I looked at the cover with amusement - catchy and colorful, I thought. That will grab a browser's eye. So will the title.
What surprised me, was when I flipped through the book, I realized there was so much more than flash. This book is packed with information for readers who just want to know if they can get a cheap will from an online source or not. It's for people who don't have millions, but want what they have to go to the right people with the least amount of hassle.
Because I repeatedly hear sad stories from adult children who have parents with dementia, I push people to get their legal work done. Leaving your family with a mess like this isn't loving. Not being a person with tons of assets to leave, I have not investigated many options other than the basics: A Power Of Attorney, a Health Directive (POA for health) and a will. This book has opened my eyes.
It's so well written and fun that even a person like me, who hates money talk, can enjoy it. And anyone reading it will learn a great deal. Trial and Heirs, written by Danielle B. Mayoras, Estate Planning Attorney, and Andrew W. Mayoras, Probate Attorney, is a good read and great education. The book is available online and in bookstores. Their Web site is www.trialAndHeirs.com.
There is a lot of planning involved in making a will, but I do agree that doing it sooner than later is a reasonable thing to do. As you mentioned, it is a messy situation and not enjoyable for family to have to deal with.
Fortunately there are ElderLaw Attorneys and Estate Planning Attorneys help to decide on what is possible for the elderly individual and family regarding living trusts & wills.
Posted by: Ron | Wednesday, December 02, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Great post, Carol. I can't wait to check it out. Also sorry for putting this in a comment, but I keep getting messages that my emails I send you are bouncing back. Hopefully it is just me, but I wanted to let you know in case others were having the same issue.
Posted by: Lara Belonogoff | Wednesday, December 02, 2009 at 06:26 PM