Book Description: A Family Guide to Wills, Funerals & Probate is an essential guide for someone planning an estate or for a family confronted with legal and financial issues in the wake of a death. It explains wills and how they function, how to plan for probate and death taxes, planning for arrangements and negotiating with funeral directors, settling assets and closing the estate, and much more. Also included are: State requirements covering wills and funeral practices Alternatives to funerals How to assign guardianships for your children Tips on avoiding estate taxes.