Top 12 Estate Planning Books

Colleen Johnson
11 min readSep 4, 2024

Welcome to our book roundup article on Estate Planning Books. These carefully selected titles offer valuable insights and guidance on managing your assets, planning for the future, and safeguarding your loved ones' financial well-being. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your journey, this roundup serves as an excellent resource to help you navigate the often-complex world of estate planning. Dive in and discover the books that can make a lasting difference in your life and the lives of those you care about.

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1. A Lawyer's Guide to Estate Planning

A Lawyer’s Guide to Estate Planning | Image

Fundamentals for the Legal Practitioner

"A Lawyer's Guide to Estate Planning" - Subtitled as the "Fundamentals for the Legal Practitioner, " this concise, comprehensive guide is a must-have for every professional working within the realm of law. It serves as an introduction to estate planning, bringing this specific area of law to life and making it more approachable for those who are not specialists in the field.

With 242 pages, the guide is easy to digest and perfect for beginners, offering insightful information and strategies specific to estate planning. Published by the American Bar Association and authored by the esteemed duo L. Rush Hunt and Lara Rae Hunt, "A Lawyer's Guide to Estate Planning" has helped countless professionals gain a solid foundational understanding of estate planning, ultimately facilitating their growth in the industry.

  • Authors: L. Rush Hunt, Lara Rae Hunt
  • Publisher: American Bar Association
  • Published Date: March 30, 2004
  • Page Count: 242
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Business & Economics
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

2. Estate Planning and Administration

Estate Planning and Administration | Image

How to Maximize Assets, Minimize Taxes, and Protect Loved Ones

Estate Planning and Administration: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Assets, Minimizing Taxes, and Protecting Loved Ones by Edmund Fleming is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the intricacies of estate planning and administration. This comprehensive guide, now in its second edition, provides readers with clear, accurate, and up-to-date information on the best techniques for preserving and transferring property while minimizing tax liabilities and ensuring the well-being of their loved ones.

With a focus on maintaining simplicity and clarity, Fleming covers a wide range of topics, from drafting wills and setting up trusts to utilizing powers of attorney and health care directives. Additionally, the author provides guidance on probate and handling the administrative aspects of an estate. This accessible book is an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to create a solid estate plan through a streamlined five-step planning process.

Covering essential topics such as Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, charitable planning, and gifting programs, "Estate Planning and Administration" is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to prioritize their loved ones' financial security and long-term well-being. This 319-page book is available in print from Simon and Schuster, offering readers a reliable and professional reference to tackle the complexities of estate planning with confidence and ease.

  • Authors: Edmund Fleming
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published Date: January 01, 2005
  • Page Count: 319
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Law
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

3. We The People's Guide to Estate Planning

We The People’s Guide to Estate Planning | Image

A Do-It-Yourself Plan for Creating a Will and Living Trust

We The People's Guide to Estate Planning is the ultimate do-it-yourself guide for creating a will and living trust without the need for an attorney. The authors, Ira Distenfield and Linda Distenfield, lead you through the basics of estate planning, ensuring that you have all the necessary knowledge to plan for your future.

This comprehensive guide covers topics like living trusts, wills, probate, and estate taxes, providing you with resources such as a glossary of estate planning terms, frequently asked questions, sample effective living trusts and a last will and testament, worksheets, and more. By following this practical guide, you can understand the language of your will or living trust and create a tailored plan that aligns with your specific needs.

We The People's Guide to Estate Planning helps you take control of your future while saving you the high cost of legal fees.

  • Authors: Ira Distenfield, Linda Distenfield
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published Date: April 29, 2005
  • Page Count: 323
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Business & Economics
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

4. Estate Planning in Arizona

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What You Need to Know

Estate Planning in Arizona: What You Need to Know by Donald A. Loose is an essential guide for Arizonans with little or no legal experience. This comprehensive book will help you preserve wealth, protect your family, and create a comprehensive succession plan.

Estate Planning in Arizona covers everything you need to know, including the basics of wills and trusts, asset protection, appointing guardians for your children, health care directives and living wills, and much more. The book ensures you are well-informed of the laws and issues involved in estate planning, assisting you in avoiding probate, and keeping your financial affairs private. A great resource for anyone in Arizona looking to plan for their future, Estate Planning in Arizona is a must-read.

  • Authors: Donald A. Loose
  • Publisher: Wheatmark, Inc.
  • Published Date: March 30, 2008
  • Page Count: 173
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Law
  • Average Rating: 1.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

5. The Wall Street Journal Complete Estate-Planning Guidebook

The Wall Street Journal Complete Estate-Planning Guidebook | Image

Discover the peace of mind that comes with a well-crafted estate plan in "The Wall Street Journal Complete Estate-Planning Guidebook. " Written by respected personal finance reporter Rachel Emma Silverman, this comprehensive guide takes you step-by-step through the process of preparing for the inevitable. With clear and solid advice on essential tools like wills, trusts, life insurance, guardianship papers, and powers-of-attorney documents, this guidebook is your one-stop resource.

Learn how to reduce potential estate taxes, protect your loved ones, and avoid family feuds. The guide also provides expert advice on addressing complex situations, such as single individuals, those in same-sex relationships, or those wishing to provide for children with special needs.

With up-to-date information on the 2011 estate tax legislation, this guide is a must-read for anyone looking to secure their financial future.

  • Authors: Rachel Emma Silverman
  • Publisher: Currency
  • Published Date: September 06, 2011
  • Page Count: 210
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Business & Economics
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

6. Estate Planning

Estate Planning | Image

Principles and Problems

Estate Planning: Principles and Problems by authors Wayne M. Gazur and Robert M. Phillips is a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities of estate planning. Through a hands-on, case-study and problem-based approach, this book teaches students the fundamental principles of estate planning and equips them with the analytical skills required to tackle real-world challenges.

Readers will engage in exercises and simulated client scenarios that test their understanding of estate planning principles. Furthermore, this casebook includes a CD with a forms supplement, offering additional practice drafting valuable legal documents. Covering all the essential aspects of estate planning, Gazur and Phillips' work is an indispensable resource for law students and professionals alike.

With a complete page count of 814, Estate Planning: Principles and Problems is published by Aspen Publishing and provides an in-depth exploration into the nuances of this vital area of law. Whether you are a student studying for an exam or a professional seeking to enhance your expertise, this title is the perfect companion to guide you along the way.

  • Authors: Wayne M. Gazur, Robert M. Phillips
  • Publisher: Aspen Publishing
  • Published Date: April 27, 2015
  • Page Count: 814
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Law
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

7. Estate Planning

Estate Planning | Image

Expertly navigate through the intricate maze of wealth transfer planning with William P. Streng's Estate Planning

. This comprehensive guide, published by John Wiley & Sons, outlines the fundamental estate planning strategies and concepts for all professionals in the field. Delve into the complexities of federal transfer taxes, income tax rules, and lifetime asset transfers with ease.

Chapter by chapter, this 736-page masterpiece presents you with 13 insightful sections, commencing with an overview of vital estate, gift, and trust planning aspects. Further in, it explores the intricate world of federal transfer taxes, income tax rules, and lifetime asset transfers, giving you an in-depth understanding and practical methods.

Throughout these chapters, you will uncover profound discussions on gratuitous property transfers upon death, generation-skipping transfers, and post-mortem planning techniques. The book also sheds light on unique considerations concerning community property, life insurance policies, charitable transfers, and closely held corporations, ensuring that no detail is left unaddressed.

This esteemed resource empowers you with actionable strategies to protect and transfer wealth to your clients, while ensuring their specific needs and wishes are fulfilled. With Estate Planning at your fingertips, you will have the confidence and proficiency to effectively guide your clients through the intricate world of estate planning.

In essence, Estate Planning serves as your ultimate source of knowledge, tools, and strategies for excelling in the field of estate planning. As you continue your journey through this insightful book, you will unravel the secrets to proficiently protecting assets, devising efficient wealth transfer solutions, and ultimately, reaching the pinnacle of accomplishment for your clients.

  • Authors: William P. Streng
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published Date: December 30, 2015
  • Page Count: 736
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Business & Economics
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

8. Secure Your Legacy

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Estate Planning and Elder Law for Today’S American Family

Imagine building a new home without a set of blueprints - absurd, isn't it? And yet, far too often, people engage in estate planning without thinking about what they want to accomplish. Secure Your Legacy, by attorney Richard J.

Shapiro, tackles the daunting aspects of estate planning and elder law to help you determine your planning goals and craft a comprehensive estate plan. Shapiro answers questions like how to choose between wills and trusts, how to protect assets if long-term care is needed, and how to reduce estate taxes.

He also provides tips on planning for a child with special needs, transferring a business, and ensuring your beloved pet is taken care of if you die or become incapacitated. With real-world examples, this guide is your critical resource for working with an attorney to create an estate plan that protects you and your loved ones.

Join Shapiro in securing your legacy today.

  • Authors: Richard J. Shapiro J.D.
  • Publisher: Archway Publishing
  • Published Date: March 29, 2017
  • Page Count: 200
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Law
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

9. Yours, Mine & Ours

Yours, Mine & Ours | Image

Estate Planning for People in Blended or Stepfamilies

Yours, Mine & Ours: Estate Planning for People in Blended or Stepfamilies is your ultimate guide to securing a brighter future for your loved ones. Written by tax attorney L.

Paul Hood Jr. , this comprehensive handbook is tailored to the unique challenges faced by blended families when it comes to estate planning. Covering topics such as property ownership, important planning documents, and crucial roles in the process, Hood offers practical advice to ensure your family's well-being is taken care of, even after you're gone.

With nearly 70% of estate plans resulting in unfavorable outcomes, it's crucial to have a thorough plan in place. Yours, Mine & Ours equips you with the knowledge and wisdom needed to make your family's future a reality, so they can continue to thrive without the added stress of sorting through complex estates. Don't leave anything to chance—give your loved ones the security they deserve with Yours, Mine & Ours.

  • Authors: L. Paul Hood Jr.
  • Publisher: Bublish, Inc.
  • Published Date: February 08, 2022
  • Page Count: 198
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Business & Economics
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

10. Estate Planning For Dummies

Estate Planning For Dummies | Image

Dive into the fascinating world of estate planning with "Estate Planning For Dummies" by Jordan S. Simon and Joseph Mashinski.

This comprehensive guide simplifies complex topics, making them accessible to readers of all backgrounds and financial situations. Delve into the intricacies of drafting wills, dealing with probate, and assigning powers of attorney, and learn how to navigate the often-perplexing aspects of inheritance taxes and estate planning. With its updated content, the book ensures readers are well-informed about the latest changes in estate and inheritance law.

The "For Dummies" approach offers an engaging and easy-to-understand learning experience, equipping you with essential tools and knowledge to confidently plan your estate and safeguard your hard-earned assets. "Estate Planning For Dummies" empowers you to protect your family's financial future and ensures the seamless transition of your assets to your heirs.

Don't leave your legacy to chance – make the smart choice and equip yourself with this valuable resource today.

  • Authors: Jordan S. Simon, Joseph Mashinski
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published Date: April 11, 2023
  • Page Count: 407
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Law
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

11. Every Californian's Guide To Estate Planning

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Wills, Trust & Everything Else

Are you a Californian struggling to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of estate planning? Every Californian's Guide to Estate Planning by Liza W. Hanks is the perfect companion.

This comprehensive and practical guide delves into the intricate details of wills, trusts, and more, all with a California-focused lens. From understanding community property rules and minimizing capital gains for high-value real estate inheritance to navigating legal and tax rules for non-citizens and U. S.

permanent residents, this book leaves no stone unturned. Plus, with downloadable worksheets, you'll find it easy to get started on drafting a will or establishing a trust.

Don't let the confusing aspects of estate planning leave you in the dark; Every Californian's Guide is here to illuminate the path for you.

  • Authors: Liza W. Hanks
  • Publisher: Nolo
  • Published Date: January 30, 2024
  • Page Count: 288
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Law
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

12. Estate Planning Basics

Estate Planning Basics | Image

Unlock the mystery of estate planning with "Estate Planning Basics. " This comprehensive guide, written by Denis Clifford, presents the fundamentals of creating wills, trusts, and avoiding probate in plain language. Delve into the complexities of planning for incapacity, naming a guardian for your children, and more.

With expert guidance, you can ensure the right estate plan for you and your family's future security. Updated to reflect the latest information, this edition prepares you for every legal aspect, enabling you to face the future with confidence.

  • Authors: Denis Clifford
  • Publisher: Nolo
  • Published Date: February 27, 2024
  • Page Count: 241
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Business & Economics
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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