Have you ever thought about what will happen to your stories after you're gone? Do you know what you want to happen with your literary works after you're gone? Do you have any ideas about who could manage them for you and your heirs? And if so, have you executed the documents necessary to make sure your wishes are carried out? This book will give you the basic information necessary to answer those questions, including: How probate works The pros and cons of avoiding probate Who might have a claim on your assets Managing copyrights after death Literary representatives Death and taxes How to get the most out of a legal consultation Note that this book is intended for educational purposes, to help you prepare for a consultation with a qualified professional in your jurisdiction, and is not intended as individual legal advice.

Are you among the 50 percent of American adults who do not yet have a will? For many of us, busy day-to-day lives often result in putting the crucial process of estate planning precariously on the back burner. In fact, if you don't have a clear, considered plan, government treasurers and probate attorneys may just have the ultimate say on your estate. Estate Planning: A Plain English Guide to Wills and Trusts is attorney Clint W. Smith's easy-to-read, invaluable book that will demystify the confusing legal issues and dispel the common misunderstandings that can have serious repercussions for anyone with a net worth of over $50,000. Establishing a well-considered estate plan now can save you or your loved ones considerable costs, months of time, and even relationships. While many individuals believe that wills are the most beneficial way in which to handle estates, the author introduces the option of revocable living trusts as a potential alternative to wills. While wills by their nature result in time-consuming probate, public disclosure, estate tax, and attorney fees, Smith explains that revocable living trusts can provide you with a way to minimize taxes, provide flexibility, help navigate the realities of a living will, and solve the problems inherent to joint tenancy, right of survivorship, and community property. Estate Planning: A Plain English Guide to Wills and Trusts also clears up common misconceptions about wills, offers answers to specific questions about trusts, and offers a step-by-step guide to plan your own revocable living trust. This informative, essential book will teach you the questions you need to ask, and motivate you to act immediately. Accessible and illuminating, Estate Planning will ensure that you are empowered to do a better job of it than the state, and that you leave behind a fitting legacy for your loved ones.