In New Jersey, having an estate plan is a wise step to make sure that a person’s property is protected and goes where they want it to go after they have passed away. The document that most people choose to use for their estate planning needs is a will. When creating a...
Estate Planning
Are holographic wills valid in New Jersey?
Wills are the most common tool in estate planning. There are different kinds of wills an individual can make – simple, living, verbal, digital and so on. But while there are different types of will a testator can draft, it is crucial to know that not all states...
Why do I need a lawyer when creating an estate plan?
An estate plan can help give your loved ones some peace of mind after you pass on. It can help prevent conflicts over your assets and ensure that those you leave behind, such as your young children, have someone who will care for them in your stead. Many people seek...
What happens if someone dies without a will?
Losing a family member could disrupt a household, causing overwhelming stress and grief. Unfortunately, the family could also experience confusion if the deceased has no will. At this moment, all decisions regarding the estate are up in the air. However, New Jersey's...
Why is a durable power of attorney important?
Every day, you make important decisions affecting your present and future life. But what happens if you are unexpectedly incapacitated and unable to make these decisions? If you are thinking ahead, one option would be to prepare a durable power of attorney. A durable...
What is a special needs trust?
People think about the loved ones they will leave behind if something ever happens to them. Some people think ahead and prepare their estate plans to protect their loved ones, even in their absence. Depending on the circumstances surrounding a person’s life, they will...
How fast is probate in New Jersey?
The probate process in most states is long, complicated and expensive, but in the Garden State it is quick and affordable. In fact, if everything goes perfectly, probate can be over in a matter of minutes. How does the probate process work? The state uses a surrogate...
Do you need any of these trusts in your estate plan?
The estate planning process can be daunting for even the most sophisticated planners. Yet, shying away from the process’s intricacies can leave you and your estate susceptible to something less than full protection. You don’t want that. Instead, you want a holistic...
Estate plans can offer protection from creditors
When we plan our estates, we think about maximizing our legacy and minimizing our taxes. After all, we would rather give our money to our uncle than to Uncle Sam. What some Pennsylvania estate planners don’t realize is they can protect their assets from more than just...
Creating SLATs with your blended family in mind
New Jersey residents often update their estate plans after big life changes. Getting married and having children are common ones, and it’s imperative to change an estate plan after getting a divorce. It’s also especially important to update your plan if you have...