7 Estate Planning Books That Experts Trust and Use

When you find yourself named trustee, uncertainty about where to start can be overwhelming. Attorneys Liza Hanks and Carol Elias Zolla, both deeply experienced in estate planning and trust administration, lay out a clear roadmap to navigate this complex role. You’ll learn to evaluate whether to accept trusteeship, manage ongoing trusts for beneficiaries including those with special needs, handle investments, taxes, and accounting, and communicate effectively with beneficiaries. Their step-by-step guidance demystifies legal and financial responsibilities, making this book a practical guide for anyone charged with administering a living trust. If you want confidence and clarity in managing trust duties, this book offers the essential tools and insights.

Denis Clifford, an estate-planning attorney with decades of experience and a Columbia Law background, wrote this guide to demystify living trusts for everyday people. You’ll learn how to create a valid living trust tailored to your state’s laws, manage property during your lifetime, and avoid probate court delays and costs after you pass. The book walks you through naming beneficiaries, setting up management for young heirs, and transferring diverse assets like real estate and business interests, all in straightforward language with downloadable forms. Whether you want to DIY your estate plan or be better informed before consulting a lawyer, this book suits anyone looking to gain control over their legacy without legal jargon.

This tailored book explores the essential principles and intricate nuances of estate planning, carefully crafted to match your background and legacy goals. It examines key components such as wills, trusts, tax considerations, and asset protection, offering a personalized pathway through complex legal and financial topics. By focusing on your unique family dynamics and financial situation, this book reveals how to secure your legacy effectively and thoughtfully. It combines deep knowledge with your specific interests to guide you through planning decisions that matter most, making the learning both relevant and actionable. This personalized approach ensures you gain clarity and confidence in shaping your estate plan.

Kevin Urbatsch’s extensive experience as a principal at Urbatsch Law Firm and his national recognition in special needs planning shape this guide on securing financial futures for individuals with disabilities. The book unpacks complex topics like how special needs trusts protect government benefits while enhancing quality of life, trustee responsibilities, and the nuances of pooled trusts. You’ll gain clarity on drafting and managing these trusts, whether you do it yourself or collaborate with an attorney. If you’re navigating the intersection of disability and estate planning, this book offers detailed insights tailored to your unique challenges.

What if everything you knew about estate planning was wrong? Tara K. Wilson challenges the traditional view of estate plans as morbid or confusing documents, reframing them as tools for autonomy and peace of mind during life. You’ll learn to navigate the five Ws of trust-based planning—who needs a trust, what it entails, where to obtain one, when to act, and why it matters. The book offers practical frameworks to organize your affairs and protect your family and assets, minimizing emotional and financial burdens during critical life transitions. If you want clarity and control over your legacy without the jargon, this book provides a grounded, thoughtful approach.

Griffit Altman’s mission to empower individuals and businesses shines through in this detailed guide to estate planning and living trusts. You’ll gain clarity on complex topics like trust types, probate avoidance, and tax minimization, with chapters offering step-by-step breakdowns of documents such as healthcare directives and power of attorney. The book’s strength lies in its practical approach to protecting assets and navigating family dynamics, including advanced strategies for business succession and blended families. If you’re looking to take control of your financial legacy with clear guidance, this book offers a structured yet accessible blueprint to help you do just that.

This tailored book explores the step-by-step process of creating and funding a trust, designed specifically to match your background and goals. It covers essential estate planning concepts, guiding you through trust formation with clear, personalized explanations that focus on your unique needs. You’ll gain insight into trust types, legal requirements, and asset transfer strategies, all presented in a way that connects expert knowledge directly to your situation. This personalized approach helps demystify complex topics, ensuring you build a trust efficiently and confidently. The book also examines practical considerations such as funding your trust and maintaining its effectiveness over time, tailored to your specific estate planning objectives.

Drawing from her extensive background as a certified investment broker and financial advisor, Anna Eiken crafted this guide to demystify estate planning for individuals and business owners alike. You’ll find clear explanations of crucial documents like wills, living trusts, and healthcare directives, along with practical tools such as worksheets and forms to streamline the process. Chapters delve into strategies for asset protection and legal fee savings, helping you navigate complex decisions with confidence. This book suits anyone determined to safeguard their family's future and manage their estate without unnecessary complexity or expense.

Albert J. Shelton, drawing from extensive experience in estate management, offers a clear and approachable guide to living trusts and estate planning. You gain a solid understanding of how to establish and fund a living trust tailored to your needs, plus insights into minimizing probate and estate taxes. The book breaks down complex topics like selecting trustees, beneficiaries, and using advanced tools such as wills and powers of attorney, making it especially useful if you're just starting your estate planning journey. While it’s particularly helpful for beginners, anyone looking for straightforward guidance on protecting assets and securing their legacy will find practical value here.