This book investigates the legal mechanisms available to individuals to bypass the probate process when transferring assets after death. Norman F. Dacey, a financial advisor, argues that the traditional probate system is inefficient, costly, and unnecessarily public. He provides a framework centered on the use of living trusts and other legal instruments to maintain control over one's estate while minimizing administrative burdens and tax liabilities.

This text is recognized as a foundational resource for laypeople seeking to understand estate administration without extensive legal counsel. Readers frequently note the practical utility of the included forms, though experts caution that legal statutes change rapidly and require professional verification.