This book will guide you, step-by-step, as you to get your financial and legal affairs in order after the death of your Spouse. Some of the topics included are: do you need to probate; how to organize and manage your finances; how to apply for social security, insurance and retirement benefits; when you need an accountant; what if your Spouse owned a business; how to pick an attorney; how to get your own affairs in order; beneficiary designations; power of attorney; medical power of attorney; guardians; wills; trusts; how you can avoid probate. There are no do-it-yourself legal forms, but there are 10 forms and checklists you can download (included in the price of the book) which streamline the process and save you time and energy. A Personal Note from the Author "Although I've been an estate planning and probate attorney for 30 years, I'm really in the peace of mind business. Once your affairs are in order, you will have made things as easy as possible for yourself and you will achieve peace of mind."

This book is a step-by-step estate planning guide for gay couples and lesbian couples. There are individual chapters about estate plans for couples with minor children; couples with adult children; and couples without children. If you already have an estate plan, use the book to evaluate if your estate plan is up-to-date or if changes are necessary. Some of the topics included are: wills don't avoid probate; beneficiary designations supersede wills; a power of attorney terminates when you die; always name an alternate power of attorney; estate taxes (updated to include 2013 estate tax law); a properly funded living trust will avoid probate; how to pick an estate planning attorney; and how a living trust differs from living wills. Forms There are no do-it-yourself legal forms, but there are 10 forms and checklists for download (included in the price of the book)which make estate planning comprehensive, efficient and easy. A Personal Note from the Author "Although I've been an estate planning and probate attorney for 30 years, I'm really in the Peace of Mind business. Once you have your affairs in order, you and your partner will have made things as easy as possible for your loved ones and you will achieve peace of mind. But there's an even better reason - when you have your affairs in order, you've also made things as easy as possible for your partner."