* Avoid probate * Manage and protect assets through disability * Eliminate the need for a court-appointed guardian * Avoid living trusts hype AVOID THE BALONEY, PUFFERY, AND SNAKE OIL OR HOW TO BEST UTILIZE LIVING TRUSTS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR HEIRS A properly arranged living trust can be an invaluable estate and financial planning tool that ultimately insures your assets will reach heirs as quickly and cost effectively as possible. Unfortunately, this is more difficult to accomplish than it should be. The misinformation surrounding living trusts is staggering. Many trusts are poorly written, shamefully mismanaged, and improperly used. But even when correctly planned, a living trust is not necessary or beneficial for everyone. How do you decide if it's the right thing for you? And how do you do it right? Get informed. In this comprehensive book, attorney Martin M. Shenkman guides you through the confusion to gain an understanding of the process that will help you avoid pitfalls, taxes, liability manipulation, and wasted money. Here are steps to: * Minimize probate abuse * Minimize living trust abuse * Protect yourself from the legal and financial ravages of disability * Distinguish the hucksters from the real expert advisers * Use a living trust as part of a complete estate plan to reach all your personal goals * Avoid the need for a court-appointed guardian * Save taxes * Decipher documents . . . and much more. Using sample checklists, and numerous real-life examples, Shenkman provides a balanced view of living trusts that will clarify what you do and don't need.