Many people think that if they die while they are married, everything they own automatically goes to their spouse or children. They’re actually thinking of state rules that apply if someone dies without leaving a will. In legal jargon, this…

Even the best prepared parents don’t always recognize the need to reassess estate plans and property ownership when a child turns 18. In some ways, of course, your legal concerns are simplified when your child becomes a legal adult. You…

The concept of “portability” is still relatively new in the law of estate planning, having become available only after 2011. Since then, it’s been both a blessing (for its tax saving benefit) and a curse (because of rules that seemed…

Traveling between New York and New Jersey is a routine matter for many local residents. It’s even common to live in one state and work in the other. With this frequent movement between states, it’s easy to forget that they’re…

5 Things to Talk About with Your Family You intend to pass along your wealth through your estate plan, but what about your wisdom? Ensuring you accomplish both calls for a family meeting to have a conversation about your money,…

Many New Jersey residents invest the time, research, and resources necessary to create a detailed and integrated estate plan, but overlook one critical piece: disposition of retirement accounts. When retirement accounts aren’t included in the estate planning process, account holders…

How to Pass Your Stories and Values to the Future Generations Money may be the most talked about wealth contained within a person’s estate, but the riches of their experience and wisdom can mean even more to family members down…

If you have a will and it’s up to date, you’re a step ahead of most Americans. Data from various sources puts the percentage of adults in the United States who do not have wills at between 50% and 65%.…

Although Memorial Day just passed, it is important to honor those that have served our country. This time is also a good opportunity for members of the military and their loved ones to consider setting up an - or revising…

Leaving money and property to a family member or other loved one is an act of kindness and concern, intended to make the beneficiary’s life easier or more enjoyable. Unfortunately, for some of the people who are most in need,…