Legal-transfer

I'm a big fan of the idiot's guides since they are always clear and easy to follow. The authors do an excellent job of explaining complex terms and concepts so even an ordinary person can understand the reasons behind drafting a will. After reading this book, you'll see that you'll want to do everything you can so that you do not find yourself "intestate" -- then the state fights over what belongs to whom. Although it's difficult to think about dying, it's even worse to think about having all your money thrown to taxes or tied up in court as relatives fight. Prevent this ugly mess by learning the basics of wills and estates. I should add that this book goes well beyond the basics -- even a millionaire could learn a few good tips from this excellent book.

As a development officer for a prep school, I was looking for a book that would give me a birds-eye view of issues involved with estate planning. Steve Maple's The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wills and Estates does this masterfully. And, to my relief, in plain English. Impressive for an attorney that's taught and practiced for the over 25 years!

In very easy-to-read language, Maple thoroughly lays out the whole terrain of estate planning'from having a will to ways to save on current taxes and issues to consider in caring for aging parents. Going beyond mere explanation, he's packed this book with helpful forms and lists to get the reader started in their own estate planning. I picked up this book to help me with my conversations with donors but I ended up sitting down with an attorney to work on my own plan!

Maple groups his 24 chapters into five sections:

Part 1: Assets, Assets, Assets
Part 2: About Wills, Trusts. . . and Probate
Part 3: All in the Family'and Just a Little Beyond
Part 4: Taxes You Must Pay, and Those Maybe You Don't
Part 5: Retirement, Elder Issues, and the Broad Planning Picture

The structure of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wills and Estates makes it a great book for busy professionals. It's very easy to read in short chunks of time. And it's not just for the beginner. Although it's now somewhat dated, Maple gives some pretty technical examinations of taxes and IRS regulations. For readers that way find themselves losing interest during the dryer technical sections there are tips, quotes, and anecdotal information interspersed throughout. As a development professional, I was particularly glad for Chapter 18 'How Charitable Donations Can Save You Money.' I'm trying to figure out how I could make this chapter required reading for prospective donors.

More than any planned giving seminar I've attended, and for a lot less money, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wills and Estates has helped me see estate planning from the donor's perspective. I highly recommend this book.

Excellent source of information for anyone who doesn't have a clue where to start. Easy to read and packed with hints. Motivating little scenarios to keep those of us who have been procrastinating in motion. Both my husband (who this was all new to) and myself (with a background in accounting) found it to be useful.

To those who know him, Mike Madison presents the proverbial mystery wrapped within an enigma: fiercly guarded, yet strangely open with regard to his dangerous ideas on antiquated doctrines such as the Rule in Shelley's case.

But it is this sense of "danger" that pervades Madison's entire work. The sense of the fear that his ideas could engender in some people. It is almost as if Madison is thumbing his nose at the powers that be; daring them to challenge him head-on to a Socratic battle between the legal giants of upstate New York, in an epic battle that will leave only one opinion affirmed, whilst the other will taste the bitter order of defeat, with no reargument available.

Madison discusses, in depth, his view on how one should approach a late-season transaction. "Visualize a blank sheet of paper," he preaches, "and draw three perfectly vertical lines equidistant along the page." It is within this triumverate of linearization that the battle takes place; the opposing ideas on the periphery, and the result in the center.

It is the simple elegance of such a system that validates Madison's research; after all, two hunters will catch a fox more quickly by flanking the beast from opposite positions. Who will ultimately acquire possession is the crux of the debate. (See Pierson v. Post). However, Madison teaches that both would be better off by dividing the beast in two, and feasting upon the bloody entrails in a celebration of brotherness, in the great wisdom of Solomon.

In short, Madison has only benefitted mankind with his latest work, and we would all do well to thank him for it.

Truly a fascinating piece of work. It appears Mr. Madison is constrained only by the jealousies of others and the limited vision of his peers. This book changed my life. It will change yours too.

Extremely good coverage of real estate transactions, from simple to very complex. Excellent analysis of tax aspects and tax shelters.