Resources
Before, during, and after the plan.
Recommended reading and Washington links worth bookmarking.
From Bob's shelf
Recommended reading
These books will help you gain an understanding of an area of the law. While they are no substitute for having your own attorney, they will help demystify the process and you may even feel more comfortable working with an attorney. However, be careful if your attorney asks to borrow your copy! A number of these authors have appeared as guests on Legal Line.
Estate Planning
Understanding Living Trusts
by Vickie Schumacher
A plain-English guide to a complex topic. Whether you do a trust or not, get your planning done!
Plan Your Estate
by Denis Clifford
A great overview of estate planning.
How to Settle an Estate: A Manual for Executors and Trustees
by Leimberg & Plotnik
Serving as a Personal Representative takes patience and hard work. Even with an attorney's help, read this — you'll make better use of your attorney's (expensive) time.
The Executor's Handbook
by Hughes & Klein
A step-by-step companion for personal representatives, administrators and beneficiaries.
The Ultimate Gift
by Jim Stovall
An easy, fun read that will make you laugh and may bring a tear to your eyes (but don't tell anyone). You don't have to be a billionaire to leave a legacy.
Divorce
Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce
by Emily Doskow
A start on the right track — but with a divorce there is no substitute for advice from an attorney. Ask about unbundled legal services if you are short on cash.
Divorce & Money
by Woodhouse & Fetherling
People first, but money issues are a close second. Be prepared.
Workplace Issues
Your Rights in the Workplace
by Barbara Kate Repa
A must-read for any employee — from hiring to firing, COBRA, retirement, discrimination, harassment and more.
Money Issues
Solve Your Money Troubles: Debt, Credit & Bankruptcy
by Leonard & Reiter
Everyone has money troubles sometime. From identifying the issues to prioritizing and even eliminating some of your debts — a great job with a tough topic.
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
by Stephen Elias
Helps you decide whether you should file for bankruptcy and answers most questions about the process and life after bankruptcy.
Personal Planning & Asset Protection
You're Fifty—Now What? Investing for the Second Half of Your Life
by Charles Schwab
A must-read if you are — or think you will ever be — over 50!
Nine Steps to Financial Freedom
by Suze Orman
A classic work. All of the critical steps, from debt reduction to wealth building and preservation.
Legal Forms
101 Law Forms for Personal Use
by Ralph Warner
Miscellaneous forms heaven — authorizing temporary care of a child, a pet care agreement, loan agreements with friends and neighbors, and much more.
Neighbor Law
Neighbor Law
by Cora Jordan & Emily Doskow
Sometimes you just need to talk to your neighbor — what a novel idea!
Business
Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business
by Fred Steingold
If you are in business or thinking about starting one, you need this book on your shelf — practical advice for running the business and avoiding the land mines.
Going to Court & Small Claims
Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court
by Ralph Warner
A national publication, but full of pointers for handling your case. Also see the King County Bar Association's small claims handbook on our links below.
Landlord & Tenant
Every Tenant's Legal Guide
by Janet Portman
A great resource and really cheap to buy. Don't rent without it.
Every Landlord's Legal Guide
by Marcia Stewart
A must for anyone thinking of becoming a landlord, full of tips to keep you safe and sane.
Pet Law
Every Dog's Legal Guide: A Must-Have Book for Your Owner
by Anthony Mancuso
A personal favorite of Annie and Brutus.
All My Children Wear Fur Coats
by Peggy Hoyt
Petting is not enough (although usually welcome). You must also be legally prepared — this book explains what you must do.
Living Together
Living Together
by Toni Ihara
Great ideas for avoiding problems if you choose to live together under the same roof — sample forms included.
A Legal Guide for Lesbian & Gay Couples
by Curry, Clifford & Hertz
The definitive work in the area.
Taxes & the IRS
Tax This!: An Insider's Guide to Standing Up to the IRS
by Scott Estill
A former Senior Trial Attorney helps you know your rights as a taxpayer.
Copyright, Patent & Trademark
Patent It Yourself
by David Pressman
Closet inventors unite!
The Copyright Handbook
by Stephen Fishman
A great starting point for copyright questions.
Patent, Copyright & Trademark: An Intellectual Property Desk Reference
by Stephen Elias
If you really want to know…
The Supreme Court & the Constitution
The Nine
by Jeffrey Toobin
Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court — Toobin artfully weaves historical decisions into present cases and currently sitting Justices.
The Pledge
by Jeffrey Owen Jones & Peter Meyer
A fun and historical tour of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thinking Like a Lawyer — and Dealing With One
Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life
by Lis Wiehl
No need to attend law school — real-life practical tips for thinking like a lawyer, while still being a nice person.
What Your Lawyer Doesn't Want You to Know
by Douglas Eikermann
Tips on choosing the right lawyer and controlling your legal affairs.
Transforming Practices: Finding Joy and Satisfaction in the Legal Life
by Steven Keeva
If you are a lawyer disillusioned with your life as a lawyer, this is definitely worth the read. And pay a visit to one of our great public law libraries — tell them Bob sent you!
Around the state
Washington resources
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Bring your questions about your home, your business, your family, your taxes. You'll leave knowing what a sensible plan looks like for your situation.