Best Elder Family Law Books of 2026

I'm Dead Now What? is an end-of-life planner designed to make life easier for those left behind. It provides a safe place to record important information, from basic personal details to funeral wishes, financial details, and even letters to loved ones. This planner is especially useful for sudden illnesses or accidents that leave us unable to make decisions for ourselves. While it is not a legal document and does not replace a valid will, it serves an important purpose in ensuring our loved ones have all the information they need. Overall, this book is a practical and thoughtful tool for anyone wanting to ease the burden on their loved ones during a difficult time.

"Robert's Story: A Texas Cowboy's Troubled Life and Horrifying Death" is a gripping biography that tells the story of Robert East, a cowboy who inherits his family's ranch and the majority ownership of the natural gas beneath it after his brother's death. The book describes Robert's contentious nature, bitter legal hostilities within the family, and his final days as a wealthy but isolated old man. Written by Stephen G. Michaud, this book is a must-read for those interested in rich and famous biographies. The unique blend of family drama, wealth, and tragedy makes this book stand out from the rest.

Living Trusts for Everyone is a must-read for anyone looking to plan an estate for themselves or their elderly parents. Ronald Farrington Sharp provides clear and concise instructions on how to set up a living trust, eliminating the need for expensive lawyers and probate services. The updated second edition includes new information on handling online assets, keeping trustees honest, and strategies for lowering attorneys' fees. With easy-to-follow instructions and sample form letters, this book takes the mystery out of estate planning. Overall, Living Trusts for Everyone is an informative and practical guide that can save readers both money and headaches.

The Our Personal Affairs Portfolio is a comprehensive estate planner designed for couples to organize and share their important information. Divided into three sections, it covers everything from finances and household inventory to medical information and letters for loved ones. With guidance, suggestions, and resources, this workbook helps you and your loved ones sleep at night. It's the most comprehensive and easy-to-use planner on the market. However, it's important to note that this information is not a legal document and does not replace a will.

The ABA/AARP Checklist for My Family, Second Edition, is a comprehensive guide that helps readers organize their important information and communicate their final wishes to loved ones. The book covers everything from financial plans to medical care preferences, and it provides a step-by-step process for gathering and recording vital information. The author, Sally Balch Hurme, is an experienced lawyer who simplifies complex issues and makes them accessible to readers. This book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to stay in control of their affairs and ensure that their wishes are known.

The Living Trust Kit is a comprehensive guide to setting up a revocable living trust without the need for a lawyer. This 2023 U.S. edition teaches readers the advantages and disadvantages of a living trust, how to transfer assets, and how to make property management arrangements. It also includes all the living trust forms necessary to create a revocable living trust agreement and avoid probate. The book is an excellent resource for those who want to save their loved ones time, money, and worry. Overall, it is an easy-to-follow guide that provides valuable information and practical tools to help readers create a living trust quickly and easily.

This humor-themed final wishes planner, titled "I'M DEAD, NOW WHAT?: Important Shit You Need to Know & Do When I Die", offers a stress-free and smooth process for both yourself and loved ones during difficult times. The planner includes prompts, sass, and personal message sections to ensure all essential relevant information is in one, easy-to-access place. Topics covered range from personal identification details to final wishes and instructions for funeral, burial, and celebration of life. This book is a unique and humorous approach to estate planning and grief management.

The End of Life Planning Workbook is a useful resource for anyone looking to organize their important information in one place. The book provides valuable insight into the importance of planning for the future and ensuring that loved ones are not left overwhelmed after a passing. The stories of Steve and Mary serve as a reminder of the consequences of not being prepared. The workbook covers everything from financial information to messages for friends and next-of-kin. Overall, the book is a helpful tool for anyone looking to ensure that their important information is easily accessible to their loved ones.

The ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Survivors is a comprehensive guide for dealing with practical and legal matters following the death of a loved one, published by the American Bar Association and AARP. The book includes chapters on applying for survivors' benefits, sorting through personal belongings, and preparing for probate. It also features convenient checklists to guide readers through each step. While not providing legal advice, it covers legal implications and complications that loved ones may face. This unique workbook, authored by elder law attorney Sally Hurme, is a must-have resource for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a loved one's passing.

Long-Term Care: How to Plan & Pay for It is an excellent guide that provides comprehensive information to help readers make informed decisions about long-term care. The book covers a range of topics, including evaluating nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and home care providers, getting the most out of Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans' programs, and considering the special needs of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's. It also helps readers decide whether long-term care insurance is worth the significant expense. The book is well-researched and easy to understand, making it a valuable resource for anyone who needs to plan for long-term care.