Executor Books

Dr. Greenberg's first novel is very exciting. I was eager to finish one page to get to the next but had to savor each page of well written characters, scenes and emotion. If you like a good thriller with complexity and depth, you will enjoy Adam's Will.

Adam's Will by Steve Greenberg is a thriller as well as beautifully written prose. It is not often that you find these two qualities blended so expertly in one novel. The author keeps your attention with the plot while fascinating you with his outstanding ability to put words together. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story that is well written. I am looking forward to the author's next book.

This exciting mystery keeps your interest from the first page. The characters are well-developed . The plot has interesting twist and turns. But what will keep your interest is the author's descriptive passages. His love of language makes paragraghs read like poetry. You will get lost in his words. I hope this is just the first of many novels from this new author. I look forward to reading more and more. I have shared this "first novel" with many of my friends and they also loved it!

I was looking for a good thriller/mystery and I found it in Steven Greenburg's first novel Adam's Will. I was captivated from the first to the last page and I contribute this to the author's passion for the written word. Mr. Greenburg developed and excellent and exciting plot with several unexpected and startling twists that will keep you guessing at one of America's most puzzling mysteries. If you haven't read Adam's Will, go get it and enjoy a fresh and electrifying experience!

Very intriguing novel. I'm looking forward to Greenberg's next book. However, being a Catholic, I found Mr Greenberg's use of Jesus Christ as an expletive on just about every other page, very offensive. In case he decides to write another novel, I wish he'd take my review into consideration and refrain from using the Lord's name in vain.

This book will give you insights into what to expect when "the event" occurs. It should be read before you except the responsibility. An executor is not just another job.

After reading this book you can probably be an executor for an estate without hiring an attorney (assuming no legal documents have to be prepared or filed in court). I found this book in the reference section of the Westfield Pubic Library (NJ) along with its companion book: A Family Guide to Wills, Funerals & Probate (ISBN: 081604550X). This book was written for an executor to read, and the companion book concerned much of the same material but for the decedent to read before he or she dies.

I thought this book was great, and that it will help an executor gain a grasp of his or her responsibilities when administering and closing a decedent's estate. It is written without legal jargon. Have you ever had to administer an estate and gone to an attorney for help? Did you expect the attorney to tell you about your duties and delegate as much of the work to you as possible? And did you find the attorney did a lot of work you think you could and should have done? Well, if so, then this book probably could have helped you talk to the attorney and have more worked delegated to you.

This book is as comprehensive as it needs to be to educate an executor about his or her duties. When those duties can be complicated, the authors explain the basics so an attorney can be consulted to provide legal services. Keep in mind that many estates can be settled without any legal help being needed. Thus, I recommend an executor read this book before ever seeking an attorney for help, guidance, or services.

The edition of the book I read was hardbound and very pretty. There was an index of terms in the back of the book. However, I would have liked the book better if there had been a glossary of terms back there, too. Don't worry that the book doesn't have your state in its title. It is written so it is applicable to executors in all 50 states.

I found the book to be deficient in covering (failed to cover) the various tax forms (federal estate & income; state estate & income) that must be filed. They mention them, but I would have liked the book better if more had been written about them. Filing the tax returns is often the most complicated aspect of doing executor work. Most of the other things just take time.

I purchased this book months ago to prepare myself for the future when I will have to handle my mother's affairs. To my absolute surprise, I have recently been appointed as administrator of my long lost cousin's estate. Yeap, he died intestate, without a will. Luckily I was just finishing this book so I had a clue what to do next.

The book has already proven to be a valuable resource of information. As I go through the probate process, I am referring to it to help me along. I put Post-It note flags on the tops of certain chapters to speed up the information retrieval. The Table of Contents is well organized.

The only thing I would suggest to the authors is to put a bit more "how to" instructions into the book. For instance, I need to do a Postal change of address. The topic is well covered in the chapter "The Deceased's Mail" but it does not tell you how to locate the Post Office where he once lived. A website address would be most helpful.

When my family gathered a few months ago for my father's 75th birthday party, during one of several conversations we had, he out of the blue advised me that he'd named me to be Executor of his estate -- possibly because I'm first-born, but more likely because I'm the only sibling who is speaking to everyone else. I agree that I'm probably the best choice -- but his announcement scared the heck out of me. I had no idea what an Executor did.

I'm glad I ordered this book! It made the role of an Executor very easy to understand, and the few dollars I paid for this book will save me hundreds or thousands of extra dollars that I'd be paying an attoney (out of my father's estate) to do, when now I know how to do some things and how to proceed.

As a social worker -- not a lawyer! -- the book's intelligent explanations helped educate me, while not "talking down" to me in simplistic terms. This is no "Probate for Dummies" type of book. It's a valuable, intelligent, well-organized and resourceful book, and I'm hanging on to it to help guide me through the time when I get that late-night phone call I dread so much...

This book gives great overview but it is not a do-it-yourself book. You'll still need legal advice. Highly recommend as a read so you can be educated before speaking with a lawyer.

I am an arts lawyer, and art lover.

The US copyright law protects an original work of an author for the artists lifetime plus 70 years. The law anticipates the value of those copyrights and how those will exceed the lifetime of the artist for years to come. Even without consideration the copyright the body of work of an artist is only valuable to the public only if that work is valued and is appreciated. This book is filled with many stories of how an artist's work was cared for after the artist's death by individuals, family or friends, foundations or museums, which made sure that the work was treated with respect after the life of the artist was over.

If you are an artist wondering what will happen to the body of work you leave behind this book will inspire you to take steps to make that happen. If you are a museum, gallery, advocate, family member, collector or fan and you are concerned about managing the body of work of an artist this book will give you some stories about how others have handled it and what steps you might take. It might encourage you to come forward and take responsibility for the artist and while you can do it with the advice and consent of the artist.

`The good that artists do lives after them ...'

Rewriting the Bard of Avon has become a fashionable pastime, although that is not my intention here. With the benefit of hindsight, it is possible to examine the legacies of most artists and reveal more of their character and commitment. Once the carefully selected brushes remain in their appointed place, the crushed and distorted tubes of paint lie undisturbed and a colourful palette has dried out for the last time, it is for the inheritors to consider the question - `What happens next?'

The paradox of a painter's life is that the legitimacy of the work can only live on if it is guided and sustained by others. This superb book, elegantly written and beautifully crafted, is a tribute to the diligence of the authors who, with courage and foresight, have succeeded in addressing the relevant question. They have done this with discipline and sensitivity. And together they have produced a most remarkable book, worthy of the task they set themselves, and now most commendably published by the Rutgers University Press.

In her personal introduction to the book, Magda Salvesen reveals something of her own journey alongside the American Abstract Expressionist Jon Schueler. Sharing in his joys and his frustrations on both sides of the Atlantic, she came to know at first hand what the spiritual struggle of the artist is all about. The book builds on that perception and carries the theme forward in a well-structured dialogue with the others - the widows, partners and friends, the foundations and trustees - who continue to hold the reputation of an artist in their care.

Confronted by a blank canvas, the artist has to continually restore and refine a belief system that somehow leads to the act of creating an image in colour and form. Hopefully, with the necessary critical acclaim, this may endure across the generations. In that sense, all paintings convey a message to future viewers of the work. The work can only come alive and continue to live in the presence and imagination of others. And it has to be focused memorably on discovery of the new or on acceptance and confirmation of the past. For the artist at least, time's arrow can move in either direction.

A visit to any of the great collections - to the Uffizi or the Louvre, to the Metropolitan or MoMA, to National Galleries or the Tate, is a chastening reminder of the complex iconography that is the history of art. And yet the survival and sustainability of the work of each and every artist requires immense care and devotion and the dedication of a myriad of diverse individual skills. The estate of any artist deserves to be managed creatively and the many different approaches to this task are admirably described in this very far-sighted book.

Definitely a `must have, must read' book for all art lovers!

Despite being an outsider to the art world (and what you would call a total amateur!), I found this book completely engrossing: the widows and children interviewed in this book all have very interesting and varying ways of dealing with the enormous responsibilities associated with managing an artist's estate - their voices come to life in this book. It's fascinating also to read about the interaction between the various players in the art world and their different agendas - galleries, widows, families, museums etc all have views on what is in the best interest of the artist and their careful dance is rendered most interestingly here. Very good read.

This book provides a fascinating look at both some of the better known and some of the more obscure deceased artists of the second half of the 20th century and the efforts of heirs and dealers to maintain interest in the artists' work. It is fascinating and informative to read about the mismanagement of David Smith's estate by Clement Greenberg or of David Park's estate by his widow's second husband. (In both cases, the children finally stepped in to rescue depleted bodies of work and help rebuild their value.) Equally interesting are the efforts of Elmer Bischoff's and James Brooks' widows to continue to promote their late husbands' work while also trying to selling their own.

Many of the artists profiled are far more obscure, but their names come up over and over again in Stevens and Swan's wonderful de Kooning biography which provides an incredible overview of the same period. While top dealers fight over the estates of Smith, Diebenkorn, Porter or Avery, all discussed in the book, there is also an emerging group of dealers who are focusing on working with the estates of lesser known artists. They work with heirs, attorneys and archivists on the issues of conservation, documentation and promotion that are involved in boosting the value of artists who in many instances received limited recognition in their lifetimes but whose heirs (widows in most instances) continue to honor and promote their work, sometimes from financial need but always due to love of their deceased spouse. These stories are the core of this well written book.

Attorneys, dealers, conservators and archivists (such as the important Archives of American Art) are interviewed along with the heirs. This new breed of dealer effectively becomes a partner with the estate, sometimes building a position in the more obscure artist's works before making the investment, usually along with the heirs, necessary to promote their work.
In addition to several such dealers mentioned in the book, Thomas McCormick and David Findlay Jr. come to mind as galleries which have made a commitment to show lesser known artists of the '40s, '50s and '60s, for example, including some of those mentioned in the book.

Anyone interested in the art world will find this book highly interesting with its dozens of interviews and many black and white photos of the artists, their work and their heirs today. And, frankly, the gossip is great too!

A simple to read guide to what you need to think about after the death of someone. Could be used before the death to get some things done or lined up. A great resource for cancer support centers or groups!

It is a pleasure to see such a work available at last on Amazon. After reviewing this work I realized several things that I could do to prepare for that inevitable, albeit necessary part of life. The author puts into perspective her own experiences and ideas that strike home with a resounding chord.

Ultimately, the book helps one plan and contemplate the grieving process and allow oneself time for healing. It takes a brave and thoughtful person to put a work like this together.

BRAVO !

Death comes like a thief in the night, as anyone can attest. One of the saddest consequences of the demise of a loved one is having to settle his or her affairs. Invariably, it is in the hour of our deepest grief that we discover our loved one's personal failing when it comes to having everything organized for the executor. With four years of high school and six years of college behind me, I can attest that having to tackle even the simplest estate is worse misery than having to do ten term papers simultaneously! Author D. E. Wigington makes it simpler by providing a structured plan of attack for assembling and codifying all needed documents and information-- she even provides 23 pages of solid-line masters you can copy and assemble into a three-ring binder, updating as circumstances change. I bought three copies: one for my wife and me, one for our future executor, and one which we will donate to our local libray. For the price of a couple of movie tickets, you can acquire peace of mind.

"Executor Takes All" is a character driven page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering "if" and "when" the heroes and heroines would triumph over incredible relationships and circumstances. The author skillfully and seamlessly threaded danger and mystery throughout each character's journey. Will the heroes and heroines (especially) triumph over heart-wrenching injustice and adversity? If you are like me, you won't be able to put this book down 'til the very end. Highly recommended.

Wow, what a book! I loved it. I'm in the process of putting together an executor coaching company and as a result I am reading every book I can find on the subject of estate administration and settlement. This book is one of the few that is pretty comprehensive, well written and outlined, and downright informative. You will find explanations and help in the following areas if you get this book:

>>Checklists for executors
>>Decedent's Estate
>>Disclaimers
>>Estate administration
>>Estate settlement
>>Executor
>>Fiduciary duty
>>Funerals
>>Intestacy
>>Personal representative
>>Probate
>>Tax form preparation
>>Tax law
>>Taxable Estate
>>Trustee
>>Wills & trusts

You won't find help in hiring a lawyer or accountant in this book. But what you will learn from this book is information you should want to know if you decide to hire either an attorney or CPA. An educated consumer is the best kind of client to a professional.

This book is 321 pages long including the index of terms at the back. However, the main body of the book is only 155 pages. The text size is small and the line spacing is tight and the margins are half inch. Therefore, you are not being cheated by the somewhat steep retail price this book sells for. There is a lot of information packed into the numerous appendices. And there is a glossary of terms that starts at page 307 which is pretty good.

I highly recommend you examine the Search Inside material Amazon offers on this book for free. You can see for yourself what the book covers by taking a look at the detailed Table of Contents. Chapter 10 on taxes is the best overview of the subject I have seen in any estate administration book sold to the masses. And the checklists included in the main body of the book and the appendices are worth their weight in gold. Each chapter ends with its own checklist.

My only gripe with this book was how the author continuously preached that the involvement of an estate attorney is essential. As you can see from the above list, there is not much that really involves legal counsel. The only thing that arguably is the practice of law is using the Probate Court to help administer the probate estate. And it should be noted that the decedent's estate is not necessarily the same as the probate estate or the taxable estate. Estate adminstration involves much more than just probate. But the list of mandatory attorney duties at page 34 is much longer than I think it should have been. Basically she says the attorney does everything. In my humble opinion it doesn't have to be that way.

I would have liked the book much better if the author had just put a disclaimer at the front of the book (which she failed to do) and not kept telling me that I should seek the help of an attorney on most matters that she explains quite well on the written page. We all know this book is not a substitute for legal or accounting advice. But it sure does a good job of providing most of what you will hear should you seek advice from either of those professionals. 5 stars!

PS. Regarding the tax forms referred to in Chapter 10, find and download them (and their related instruction sheets) for free from the IRS Web site.

and that the writer who publishes is like the beggar who exhibits his sores.' These are but a few of the words from German expatriate Rudolf, a brilliant writer and teacher who has just committed suicide in Turin, Italy and has requested his best friend and former student roommate, the unnamed narrator, to be the executor of his literary estate. This relatively short novel is a finely wrought 'comedy of letters' - THE EXECUTOR - by German writer Michael Krüger and translated by John Hargraves. And while the subtitle suggests a comedy, the story is also a mystery and a meditation on literature, the life of a writer, and the inevitability of death with the associated question of what is fame and who will be remembered and for what reasons.

Rudolf was a cantankerous but brilliant writer, a man who was at odds with not only the literary and academic world, but equally out of sync with his personal life. Three women figured significantly in his time on earth: Elsa, his wife who wisely moved away for the sake of her own career; Marta, his secretary/confidant-bedmate; and Eva, his mistress from a distance. When Rudolf dies, the executor travels to Rudolf's Institute for Communications Research in Turin to gather all of Rudolf's writings and to search for the last great novel Rudolf left unfinished. The executor becomes at first fascinated with Rudolf's strange quarters (he lives on a rooftop terrace surrounded by strange plants and a menagerie of odd animals including his best 'friend', the old dog Caesar), with the bits of memorabilia that filled his study, and his encounters with Elsa (old and dying of cancer in the hospital), Marta (ready to take on the executor as lover), and Eva (whose writings are as strange and elusive as their author).

Over the course of the book the executor discovers many secrets about Rudolf and in attempting to piece together the life of an elusive literary genius, finds strange facts and turns and twists worthy of an Agatha Christie mystery: 'Once I had read his correspondence, I realized that Rudolf had been playing us all for fools. Put another way, he had betrayed all of us, and then, just in time, slipped away.' In the end it is the choice facing the executor as to whether or not to publish the strange magnum opus the executor discovers that brings this exhilarating novel to a surprising end.

Krüger is a sculptor of words and mixes philosophy with narrative story as well as any writer today. The references to literature tug at the mind to keep up with the thoughts and patterns of the friendship between Rudolf and the executor: moments of turning to the dictionary can slow the reading but enhance the appreciation of Krüger's writing. This is a novel that will appeal to lovers of fine writing, but it is also a very entertaining tale of a strange and fascinating friendship between two men of letters. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, April 08

This work sets forth the extensive requirements to probate a
will. It explains the complexities of trusts. In addition,
it sets forth basic definitions. For instance, tangible property
consists of jewelry, automobiles, articles of clothing and
things of value. The author cites the need for a full audit
to determine value for distribution purposes. The trustee
has the duty to assemble assets, pay debts, make distributions,
write to financial institutions to determine account values and review all beneficiary claims. This book will be very helpful
to anyone involved in a probate for the first time. It directs you to the sources of information
for the probate. In addition, there is a complete itemization
of the tasks involved in the probate, contact points and an
exhaustive discussion of the process and protocols of
probating a will. The work is written from a layperson's
perspective. It is a must purchase if this is your first
experience with the Probate Court.

Charlotte Bronte, who created magnetic, passionate heroes on paper, was in her own life a lonely woman who loved two inaccessible, brilliant men who could not love her back. Little did she know that she would find real happiness with the man who lived a minute's walk from her door, Arthur Bell Nicholls, whose story is the subject of this book. For far less than a year until her early tragic death, she was so happily married to him and he adored her. Why did it take so many years for them to find each other as he served her father as curate, adopted her dead sisters' dogs, protected her brother, and actually kept the parsonage roof over her head by doing all the priest's work which her elderly and half blind father could no longer do? In this excellent book, we find out why he was so reticent to feel and then to declare his love for this tiny woman who was then one of the most famous writers in England and once he did, fought for her with a persistence which could not be turned away. Like her heroine Jane Eyre he was poor and obscure, but by no means plain....he was as handsome and strongly built a man as any of the Bronte heroes.

As the years went on, they would have had a job together to find a way for Charlotte to be both happy wife and productive writer, but her friend Mrs. Gaskell, who was also married to a minister, had done it very well. As for Nicholls, he cared for Charlotte's aged father after her death, and spent the rest of his life as curator of her memory.

Wonderfully done!