The Estate
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Reviews
Five Stars: When one checks out, they can’t exactly manage everything to their desires. “Journey Into Probate and Back” is an advisory from Ann Marquez as she suggests how people can better manage their end of life issues to the fullest. With a touch of humor, she walks readers over estate planning, dealing with interlopers such as new wives, what’s to be done with one’s body, and make a tragic time as bearable as possible. “Journey Into Probate and Back” is a fine and very much recommended read. ~ The Law/Justice Shelf, Small Press Bookwatch: October 2011, The Midwest Book Review
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On a topic that will eventually stare many of us in the face – that of dealing with a deceased loved one’s estate – the author relates from her own experience the harsh realities of a layman’s attempt to navigate the wild waters of a probate. What she learned is presented in language far removed from legalese jargon that often defeats one’s ability to understand what is needed to complete the job effectively. In an easy-to-read format, which includes literary quotes at the beginning of each chapter and numerous sidebars directing the reader to relevant web sites, this book provides many answers to some of the multitudinous questions that arise at the time of a loved one’s death. In simple English, it tells you what you need to know and how to go about finding it, as well as what to do with it when it is found. Not only does it give a wealth of information, it is also an interesting and well-told story.
My background includes years as a paralegal in an office where we did a lot of estate planning, and I can attest that this comprehensive book would be a great help to anyone wishing to put their affairs in order or, alternatively, facing the gargantuan task of wrestling their way through probate for a family member. It made me review my own Will and seek ways to simplify for my children what they will need to know after I die.
Highly recommended. ~ 6/11 Reviewed by Lola R. Eagle, author, free-lance writer, and poet – ReadingNewMexico.com/self-help
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The author reports that by tradition, a person’s last will is created in secrecy, written in detached legal jargon, endorsed under witness of strangers, only to be stored away until that fateful moment when it emerges or not as the final statement of one’s life. Even with full legal protection and many details, everything can go wrong. Marquez found out what could go wrong when her father died and she ended up spending three years of her life in probate court. In response to her journey, she has written this book to help individuals avoid what she had to endure. She notes that the more complex the world becomes, the more complicated is one’s leaving. She cautions that there is no shame in asking your attorney to define the meaning of any word, term or law. That is supposed to be his area of expertise, so be certain there are no assumptions or misunderstandings between you and the lawyer. She gives examples, including the estate of late baseball player Ted Williams. One document said he was to be cremated, yet another said he was to be frozen through a cryonics process. Family members fought, but the financial costs of such a legal battle were enormous. One side had to back down, so Ted is at the cryonics lab waiting to be brought back some day, if the process turns out to be fruitful. The point is, a person’s final wishes must be specific and as perfectly clear as possible to avoid any ambiguity. This is a must read book. ~ Chuck N. Baker, The Veterans Reporter
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Update: Journey Into Probate and Back is currently Out of Stock and is not available in eBook format. Any site offering a PDF download of JIPB does so without permission and in violation of copyright.
Watch for the release of an updated, expanded edition and companion workbook in 2014.
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Questions? Comments?
Contact:
Ann Marquez Desert Muse Publishing PO Box 50298 Henderson, NV 89016 Amarq77@gmail.com Author Ann Marquez is busy writing and hasn’t found the time to join Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any form of social media.Copyright © 2008-2013 Desert Muse Publishing
