Title : A Step-by-step Guide to Wills and Probate
Author : A.K. Biggs
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : all the basics you need to knwo..
this is a good all round guide to drafting wills and dealing with the difficult task of what to do after a death in terms of winding up an estate. It doesn't go into very complex will drafting but in that instance as the book suggests you would really need to get a solicitor involved. However, it does allow you to draft most types of wills and certainly explains the proceedure following death in a clear and concise manner.
Title : French Property and Inheritance Law: Principles and Practice
Author : Henry Dyson
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Excellent reference source
My remarks refer to the second edition, which I recently found in our local library. This is a well-written book (unfortunately marred by some spelling errors and some poor editing). It gives a very eloquent insight into French property law and succession law while sticking to practical matters and avoiding unnecessary theory. The author's wife is French and she is credited with helping the author gain some of his insights. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the notaires, but this chapter alone made me very wary of dealing in French property. Many foreigners have done so and do not seem to have much trouble, but it is well to be aware of all the snags that can arise. Caveat emptor is the golden rule, but this book will be indispensable for anybody taken on the daunting task of buying a gite or other type of property in France.
Title : Last Will Testament Kit
Author :
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : A very useful product
My wife and I decided that we needed to make our wills, however morbid as this process can seem, once it is done one can rest assured that things are taken care of. It doesn't take long in comparative terms and if you can steel yourself to do it it brings a lot of peace of mind. This kit is extremely helpful and cuts the cost considerably. A reviewer has said that it is too basic - well, it must have been improved since then (which was in 2002) because we found it contained everything we needed. The instructions are clear to follow and the forms clearly set out. Will storage is also offered at a very competitive rate. All in all we found this extremely helpful in what can be a tricky task.
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Title : The Law of Trusts and Equitable Obligations
Author : Robert A. Pearce
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : A pleasure to read - detailed and well researched
I honestly believe that those who gave this book a bad review are either (a) not very bright and/or (b) have never actually read the book itself.
It is a well written and lucid book that was researched with vigour.
The book covers the essentials of Trust law.
1. A history of Equity
2. Certainty (of intention, subject matter and objects)
3. Formalities and Constitution
4. Purpose trusts (e.g. trusts for a charity)
5. Resulting and constructive trusts
6. Trustees powers and duties
7. Liability for breach of trusts
8. Tracing
I have read the whole book, and (I know most law students will find this hard to believe) I really did enjoy it.
It flows well, and I read 100 pages with ease.
It was my recommended textbook and I am glad it was.
There are a few typos (pages 397, 541, 512, 635)but who really cares?
I think this book, now in its third edition has an excellent balance between facts, cases, principles and criticism.
Furthermore it is easy to understand.
Ignore the bad reviews, they are absolutely wrong.
Title : How to Settle an Estate: A Manual for Executors and Trustees (How to Settle an Estate)
Author : Charles Plotnick
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : I'm buying it for my clients!
The best basic "how-to" guide I've seen for executors and administrators. Not "do-it-yourself" tear-out forms, just good, practical, up-to-date (in '98) advice. I'm sending complimentary copies to my executor and trustee clients (via Amazon.com, natch!)
Title : Hanbury and Martin: Modern Equity
Author : Jill Martin
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : The only real choice for the LLB core equity module student.
This book is both comprehensive and easy to read. The reader is given a full background to the law evolving equity then following on to give good consice and most importantly understandable accounts of the law of trusts. This book together with a good case statute book is all one needs to study and get a good grade in this qualifying law degree subject.
