An authoritative, accessible guide to administering an estate The majority of applications for probate that follow someone's death can be dealt with inexpensively by any reasonably intelligent person with time available and a little guidance. This easy-to-follow book clearly explains all the information you need to administer the deceased's estate, from dealing with the urgent practical matters to preparing and submitting the relevant forms, paying inheritance tax, and distributing the estate. You'll find specimen forms and letters and a list of useful addresses that will enable you to deal with it all yourself. Contents: Preface; 1. What is probate, when is it necessary and what is involved? 2. Who can and should wind up the estate; 3. Getting started; 4. Next steps; 5. From preparing and submitting the forms to distributing the estate; 6. Distributing the estate; Appendices: 1. Specimen forms and letters; 2. Useful addresses; 3. Glossary; Index.

This invaluable book really will enable you to prepare your own will. It will alert you to the many and broad ranging matters you should consider, and covers factual and legal requirements and technicalities in language that the lay-person can understand. Author, Gordon Bowley, draws on his thirty years as a family solicitor to suggest the best and most effective ways of ensuring that your estate is easy to deal with by those you leave behind and that it goes to those who you want to benefit. This revised and updated 4th edition includes changes in recent legislation and case law. It includes: - Advice on choosing executors - Specimen forms, sample wills and sample clauses - A glossary clearly explaining any necessary legal terms - Guidance on inheritance tax and tax saving in your will - Information on Living Wills and Powers of Attorney