Recently, nj.com published an article that asked a very timely question: “Do you need a will because of coronavirus?” The reality is that, even if we delete the qualifier “because of coronavirus,” the answer is almost always a vociferous ”yes!” Whether there’s an ongoing pandemic or not, you need a…
When you’ve decided that you are ready to start estate planning, it is important to choose carefully. You need someone to listen to your circumstances, needs and goals, to provide you with clear, understandable advice about how best to achieve your objectives, and then to provide you with the legal…
A few years ago, the New York Times published an article entitled, “Aging Parents With Lots of Stuff and Children Who Don’t Want It.” The topic is an issue that, if not uniquely modern, is certain something happening with increased frequency lately. The cold reality is that, just because you…
Each family and family dynamic is unique in its own way. Yours may be a blended family, may have people who are not related by blood but definitely are “family,” or may have people who are legal kin but aren’t really part of the family. Any of these scenarios is…
You’ve probably heard the phrase “get it in writing,” which is a commonly used phrase in the world of business. That advice also can apply to estate planning. The best way to make sure that your goals for your estate become reality after you die is to put them on…
The coronavirus pandemic has created massive problems for people in all walks of life. That includes people who have lost someone and now must, in addition to everything else, undertake the process of probate, which has itself been rendered much more complicated by the new COVID-19-based safety requirements. To make…
Opinions are like noses… almost everyone has one, but they usually have a couple of holes in them. That’s true when it comes to estate planning. You may hear some “financial guru” on the radio opining that you don’t need an attorney when it comes time to create your will;…
Two of the most common questions when it comes to estate plans are: do I need one and, if I do, when should I start? For the vast majority of people, the answers to these questions are quite simple. They are “yes” and “now.” Nearly everyone can benefit by doing…
Engaging in proper estate planning can benefit almost all New Jerseyans. It can allow you to ensure control of your assets, benefit the people and charities you hold dear and maybe even save your family money when it comes to so-called “death taxes.” There are various methods and processes that…
Opinions about revocable living trusts vary, even among legal professionals. Many attorneys will focus upon the multiple potential benefits a well-written trust can unlock. Opponents may highlight the damage that a poorly written trust can do. In reality, the key to having a revocable living trust that is successful is…