Understanding Living Trusts, by Vickie Schumacher -
This is 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 -
This book provides a great overview of estate planning.

Wills for Washington, by Fred Hopkins -
This will help you understand the inner workings of a will under Washington law.

How to Settle an Estate: A Manual for Executors and Trustees, by Leimberg and Plotnik -

I also like The Executor's Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Settling an Estate for Personal Representatives, Administrators and Beneficiaries, by Hughes and Klein -
Serving as a Personal Representative and settling an estate requires patience and hard work. Even if you have an attorney help you, have a look at these two books. You will make better use of your attorney's (expensive) time.

Simply Essential Funeral Planning Kit, by Don Cochrane -
Don helps you explore your "final" options, save a little money and make it easy on your family and friends.

Divorce Guide for Washington, by Mark T. Patterson -
Be sure to get the latest edition - you don't want to end up divorcing the wrong person!

Your Rights in the Workplace, by Barbara Kate Repa -
A must read for any employee. This will get you started and pointed in the right direction regarding just about any employment problem, from hiring to firing, COBRA, retirement, discrimination, sexual harassment and more.

Money Troubles, by Deanne Loonin -
This is an all time favorite of mine, covering such things as dealing with a credit card issuer and handling a problem with your credit report. You don't have to be in trouble to benefit from this book: if you borrow, save or spend money, you'll find this book helpful.

How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, by Stephen Elias -
This book will help you decide whether you should file for bankruptcy and answers most questions about the process and life after bankruptcy.

Crashproof Your Life, by Thomas Schweich -
This is essential reading if you want to minimize the risks of living in the 21st century. Tom has practical tips on avoiding crashes in your life.

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 by financial planning guru Suze Orman. She has written a number of books, but this may be the best, providing a foundation for young and "old." She discusses all of the critical steps, from debt reduction to wealth building and preservation.

101 Law Forms for Personal Use, by Ralph Warner -
Miscellaneous forms heaven! You will find forms to authorize temporary care of a child, a pet care agreement, landlord-tenant "stuff," agreements to loan money to friends and neighbors, etc., etc., etc., -just imagine documenting all of these things! This really is one a lawyer might want to buy for the library.

Neighbor Law, by Cora Jordan -
If you are a neighbor, read this book. I have found in my law practice and from years of dealing with legal questions on the radio that sometimes you just need to talk to your neighbor - what a novel idea!

Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business, by Fred Steingold -
If you are in business or thinking about starting a business, you need this book on your shelf. Aside from helping you decide on what form of business is best for you, the author provides practical advice for most aspects of running your business and avoiding some of the land mines.

Low-Budget Online Marketing for Small Business, by Holly Berkley (Self Counsel Press) -
Holly helps you market online with confidence, providing great tips and useful worksheets.

Boatowner's Legal and Finance Guide, by Larry Rogers -
If you own a boat, you'll want this in a waterproof bag.

Trouble-Free Travel, by Colwell and Shulman -
With travel such a pain these days, take along a copy (in a brown paper bag).

The Border Guide, by Robert Keats -
Although designed primarily for Canadians crossing over into the US, this will get you going on the issues if you are a US citizen/resident dealing with Canada.

Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court, by Ralph Warner -
This is a national publication, but it will give you some great pointers on handling your case. You will also want to go to our "Links" page to find a link to the fantastic handbook put out by the King County Bar Association.

Landlord/Tenant Rights in Washington, by Sydney Strong -
This is a great resource and really cheap to buy. Don't rent without it.

Dog Law, by Mary Randolph -
This is a personal favorite of Annie and Brutus.

Living Together, by Toni Ihara -
This book has great ideas for avoiding problems if you choose to live together under the same roof. You'll even find sample forms.

A Legal Guide for Lesbian & Gay Couples, by Curry, Clifford and Hertz -
This is the definitive work in the area.

How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim, by Joseph Matthews -
This is best used as a resource when you are represented by an attorney. Don't take chances when you have been injured - seek out an attorney for representation or coaching!

Beat Your Ticket: Go to Court & Win! by David Brown -
This is a national publication, but with good tips and pointers for fighting that unjust ticket.

Tax This!: An Insider's Guide to Standing Up to the IRS, by Scott Estill -
Former Senior Trial Attorney Scott Estill helps you to know your rights as a taxpayer.

The Law of Tax-Exempt Organizations, by Bruce Hopkins -
You have to be serious to read this one!

Patent It Yourself, by David Pressman -
Closet inventors unite!

The Copyright Handbook, by Stephen Fishman -
This is a great starting point for copyright questions.

Patent, Copyright & Trademark: An Intellectual Property Desk Reference, by Stephen Elias -
If you really want to know...

Winning Every Time; How to use the skills of a lawyer in the trials of your life, by Lis Wiehl (Ballantine Books) -
No need to attend law school, Lis will have you "practicing" in no time. This book will help you think and act like a lawyer, but still be a nice person! Whether you are buying a car, dealing with your boss, or trying to stay a step ahead of your kids (or parents), this book will help you with real life practical tips. And, it is based on the best of ethics!

What Your Lawyer Doesn't Want You to Know, by Douglas Eikermann -
Doug offers 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 who is disillusioned with your life as a lawyer, have a look at this book - definitely worth the read.