3 02, 2023

What Not to Include in Your Will

2023-01-26T09:05:00-05:00February 3rd, 2023|

If you are considering preparing a will, this is a great first step in planning for the future. After reflecting on the basics, such as whom you want to be in charge of administering your wishes, you may wonder if [...]

11 10, 2021

Do You Need a Lawyer to Write a Will?

2021-10-11T11:33:24-04:00October 11th, 2021|

While you aren't technically required to hire a lawyer to draft a will, failing to do so can lead to costly problems for your family and other heirs. A will is a legal document that directs who will receive your [...]

2 08, 2018

Management of an Insolvent Estate in New Jersey

2021-11-01T16:57:51-04:00August 2nd, 2018|

Traditional estate planning is primarily designed to ensure that your belongings and assets pass in an orderly manner after your death, and that they reach the people you intend. That’s an important and admirable goal, but overlooks many critical issues. [...]

20 07, 2018

What Role Does a Letter of Instruction Play in Estate Planning?

2018-11-08T05:36:06-05:00July 20th, 2018|

Unlike a will, trust document, nomination of guardian, or advance healthcare directive, a letter of instruction is not a binding legal document. You may not see “letter of instruction” on an estate planning checklist, and you’re not required to provide [...]

19 05, 2018

Options for Updating Your Will in New Jersey

2018-11-08T05:38:35-05:00May 19th, 2018|

For most people, writing a will isn’t a one-and-done event. Unless your will is drafted very near the end of your life, chances are good that changes over your lifetime will make it necessary to update your will and other [...]

14 05, 2018

Digital Estate Planning for the 21st Century

2018-05-28T08:56:26-04:00May 14th, 2018|

The need for digital estate planning is fairly new, but it’s a significant and growing issue. From ownership of digital assets to control of email and social media accounts, the modern estate administrator has a lot of work to do [...]

10 04, 2018

5 Reasons to Avoid Probate (even in New Jersey)

2018-04-10T20:11:53-04:00April 10th, 2018|

When you hear about an alternative estate planning option such as a living trust, one of the key selling points mentioned is often that you can “avoid probate.” However, if you don’t know much about estate law, you may be [...]

14 03, 2018

Your Will

2020-02-07T12:44:18-05:00March 14th, 2018|

Your will is a legally-binding statement directing who will receive your property at your death. It also appoints a legal representative to carry out your wishes. However, the will covers only probate property. (Probate is the court process by which [...]

11 02, 2018

Choosing a Personal Representative for Your Estate

2018-02-14T11:21:17-05:00February 11th, 2018|

When you prepare a will in New Jersey, you’ll choose a personal representative to handle administration of your estate. You will typically also choose a successor, in case the personal representative you chose is unable or unwilling to fulfill the [...]

11 01, 2018

Is a Handwritten Will Valid in New Jersey?

2018-02-02T22:10:31-05:00January 11th, 2018|

A handwritten will, also known as a “holographic will,” may be valid if certain requirements are met. In fact, it may seem that a handwritten will has advantages. For example, a holographic will can be valid even without the witness [...]