Executor's Guide : Settling a Loved Ones Estate or Trust [first edition]

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 show you how to get organized, get the help you need and make progress one step at a time. Let it help you navigate an unfamiliar land of legal procedures and terminology. It explains: *preparing for the job of executor or trustee *the first steps to take *claiming life insurance, Social Security and other benefits *making sense of a will *what to do if there is no will *how to determine whether or not probate is necessary *caring for children and their property *taxes *an overview of probate court proceedings *dealing with family members *handling trusts *looking up your state's laws *working with lawyers, appraisers, accountants and other experts