Product Description
A Clear and Comprehensible Guide to the Specialized Topic of Probate For those who are suffering the loss of a loved one, dealing with the complex and often costly probate process can be just as traumatic. This concise guide explains the concepts of probate in simple language, fully outlining the steps you need to take and what you can expect. Martin Shenkman, an authority on the subject, provides practical advice, examples, checklists, tips, and definitions to help… More >>
Tags: comprehensible guide, concise guide, definitions, loss of a loved one, probate
I suspect a deliberate attempt on the part of the author to make probate accounting and legal issues seem as complicated (and dangerous to executors) as possible. Nearly every page advises the executor to get help from an attorney. And where the services of an attorney are not required, the services of a professional accountant apparently are. This book was seemingly written so that ignorant, inexperienced first-time executors won’t seem like idiots to all of those highly-skilled professionals which are, if you believe the author, required in every case. Far too much space is used for sample charts, forms, and letters. These items presume, for example, that the reader is so ignorant, he cannot write a letter to the decedent’s credit card company requesting cancellation of the card. He must be shown just what such a letter should look like. Yet, there is much of value in this book. I’ve read several on the same subject recently and I’ve found Shenkman’s frequent notes (i.e. tips)and suggestions to be perhaps of more interest than the vocabulary lessons he also offers. The book is logically organized and is written in such a way that unnecessary chapters can be ignored. Maybe this shouldn’t be the only book in your library on the subject but, Shenkman’s obsession with attorneys aside, it is well-worth the price and easy to read.
Rating: 3 / 5