Estate Planning: A Plain English Guide to Wills and Trusts - Paperback

by Clint W. Smith J. D. (Author)

Are you among the 50 percent of American adults who do not yet have a will? For many of us, busy day-to-day lives often result in putting the crucial process of estate planning precariously on the back burner. In fact, if you don't have a clear, considered plan, government treasurers and probate attorneys may just have the ultimate say on your estate. Estate Planning: A Plain English Guide to Wills and Trusts is attorney Clint W. Smith's easy-to-read, invaluable book that will demystify the confusing legal issues and dispel the common misunderstandings that can have serious repercussions for anyone with a net worth of over $50,000. Establishing a well-considered estate plan now can save you or your loved ones considerable costs, months of time, and even relationships. While many individuals believe that wills are the most beneficial way in which to handle estates, the author introduces the option of revocable living trusts as a potential alternative to wills. While wills by their nature result in time-consuming probate, public disclosure, estate tax, and attorney fees, Smith explains that revocable living trusts can provide you with a way to minimize taxes, provide flexibility, help navigate the realities of a living will, and solve the problems inherent to joint tenancy, right of survivorship, and community property. Estate Planning: A Plain English Guide to Wills and Trusts also clears up common misconceptions about wills, offers answers to specific questions about trusts, and offers a step-by-step guide to plan your own revocable living trust. This informative, essential book will teach you the questions you need to ask, and motivate you to act immediately. Accessible and illuminating, Estate Planning will ensure that you are empowered to do a better job of it than the state, and that you leave behind a fitting legacy for your loved ones.

Author Biography

Since 1985, attorney Clint W. Smith has helped thousands of people protect their assets, minimize taxes, and preserve family relationships. His law practice has focused on real people in real-life situations, with a guiding goal of helping them solve problems while providing peace of mind. He works with clients individually, but also speaks to groups about estate planning, small business issues and debt relief. Clint received his Juris Doctor degree from Arizona State University College of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Arizona. He has been named one of Arizona's Top Lawyers by Arizona Business Magazine. He has been AV Rated for over 20 years in Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible peer review rating in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards.. For information and to subscribe to his electronic newsletter, Secrets of Wealth Preservation, visit his website at www.EstatePlanningDr.com.