Library Notes
Lynn Denison
Fortunately
legal matters are not a topic to which we frequently must give much thought. However, when the occasion arises, it is
helpful to know that you can turn to Rowan Public Library for some of the most
helpful, up-to-date legal “how to” books available. Although this column will focus on only a few
of the newest books we have acquired, there are many more and some of these will
be listed at the end of the column.
The publisher of
these top-notch books is Nolo, which, according to its website, begin
publishing legal books in 1971. In forty
years Nolo has evolved with the times, developing do-it-yourself products for
the average consumer. Consumers and
small business owners can handle many legal matters themselves with Nolo’s
do-it-yourself books. All are written in
plain English, with step-by-step instructions that help get the job done. However, in each book there is a disclaimer
that the text is not a substitute for personalized advice from a knowledgeable
attorney.
It is difficult
to find a law topic that these books do not cover. For example, if you are thinking about
planning your will, establishing a trust, deallng with estate and gift taxes,
avoiding probate and executing powers of attorney and living wills we have
books with the latest comprehensive and organized information in them.
The book Plan
Your Estate by attorney Dennis Clifford encourages us all to do what we
know we need to do and shows the step by step method of doing it. It covers everything from the basics to
sophisticated tax-savings strategies for people with estates ranging from the
modest to the wealthy. Some of the
topics that are demystified are: Probate
avoidance, living wills, estate-tax saving trusts, funerals and burials,
federal estate and gift taxes, charitable remainder trusts, and durable powers
of attorney. The 11h edition
is significantly revised to cover new federal estate tax laws and how they
affect estate planning. It also covers
new gift tax rules. As always, all laws
and charts are updated.
Make Your Own
Living Trust by attorney Dennis Clifford not only covers the new tax laws
on this subject but allows you to download forms from the internet to help you
with the project. When you create a
living trust you can arrange for your property to bypass lengthy probate
proceedings and go directly to the people you have designated. This book also contains the latest tax and
legal information, including updated information about the federal estate law.
The Trustee’s
Legal Companion: A Step by Step
Guide to Administering a Living Trust is written by attorneys Liza Hanks
and Carol Elizs Zolla. Being a trustee
is an honor but it is also a huge task that can be stressful and
confusing. This book will show you
exactly how to proceed In this difficult job.
As a very helpful addition, you are shown how to find free legal updates
at Nolo.com.
A sampling of
some of the other new Nolo books the library has just acquired include Divorce
After 50, Nolo’s Quick LLC, Social Security Disability, Becoming
a US Citizen, 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, Long Term Care: How to Plan and Pay for It, Divorce
and Money, Small Business Start Up Kit, and Form a Partnership. Please come in to Rowan Public Library soon
to discover our outstanding collection of legal help books.
No comments:
Post a Comment