The Last Word 7 Estate Planning Considerations

This book addresses seven estate planning considerations: 1. Preparing for Death by making a Will or revocable trust agreement, as well as possibly a disposition of remains form; 2. Creating Trusts for yourself, spouse, children, other family members and friends, or charity; 3. Contemplating Future Incapacity with a power of attorney, living will, appointment of health care agent, or a trust to hold property and financial accounts; 4. Implementing Asset Protection in the event of nursing home or late-in-life health care expenses, marital problems, threatening creditors, or for a disabled family member; 5. Saving Taxes at death and during life using trusts and other estate planning techniques; 6. Engaging in Philanthropy to maximize charitable giving impact and save taxes; and 7. Selecting Fiduciaries (executors, trustees, guardians) who will carry out your wishes.

Tim Crowley has been an attorney for nearly thirty years, practicing in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. He now works primarily as a trustee of numerous large family and charitable trusts. Prior to becoming an attorney, Tim served as a congregational minister. His background as a minister offers a unique perspective on estate planning, especially navigating family dynamics and potential conflicts. For many years, he worked at large law firms, but eventually opened his own law office to offer estate planning and trustee services. Frequently his clients asked him to recommend a book on estate planning. He found most books on the topic quite complicated and technical. So, he wrote "The Last Word" to explain estate planning in plain English. His educational background includes a B.A from Houghton College, M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University College of Law.