The executor's guide: settling a loved one's estate or trust

Part I: Getting ready

Part II: First steps

Part III: Taking care of the estate

Part IV: Transferring property

Part V: Handling Trusts

Part VI: Getting more help.

pt. I. Getting ready. The executor's legal companion ; Overview ; If you're asked to be an executor or trustee

pt. II. First steps. The first week ; The first month ; Claiming life insurance, Social Security, and other benefits

pt. III. Taking care of the estate. Making sense of the will ; If there's no will ; Taking inventory ; Managing assets and paying bills ; Caring for children and their property ; Taxes

pt. IV. Transferring property. Property that doesn't go through probate ; Transferring joint tenancy and other survivorship property ; Transferring community property ; Claiming money in retirement plans ; Claiming payable-on-death assets ; Special procedures for small estates ; The regular probate process

pt. V. Handling trusts. Wrapping up a simple living trust ; Managing a child's trust

Part VI. Getting more help. Finding more information ; Lawyers and other experts

Glossary

Appendix : State information.