A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care in the event that they become incapacitated or unable to communicate their wishes. This document is used to guide medical professionals and loved ones in making decisions about the individual’s […]
Living Wills
Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
There are several reasons why you may need an estate plan. An estate plan can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away, and can also help protect your loved ones and your legacy. Here are some of the key reasons why you may need an estate plan: […]
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help Me Draft a Will or Can I Do It Myself?
While it is possible to create a will on your own, it is generally recommended that you hire a lawyer to help you draft your will. A lawyer can help ensure that your will meets all of the legal requirements in your state and that your wishes are clearly and accurately reflected in the document. […]
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries according to their will or state law. It involves the court overseeing the administration of the deceased person’s estate, which includes gathering their assets, paying off any debts and taxes owed, and distributing the remaining property to […]
Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate?
The probate process can be complex, and the assistance of a lawyer can be very helpful in ensuring that the process is carried out smoothly and efficiently. However, whether you need a lawyer for probate depends on the complexity of the estate and your comfort level with legal and financial matters. In general, if the […]
What Are Trusts and What Benefits Do They Offer?
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a person transfers assets to a trustee to manage on behalf of beneficiaries. The trustee is responsible for managing the assets in the trust and distributing income and principal to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the trust document. Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable and […]
What Estate Planning Can I Do for My Pets?
In New Jersey, pets are considered personal property under the law, which means that they can be included in your estate plan just like any other assets. Here are a few estate planning options for your pets in New Jersey: Pet Trust: One option is to set up a pet trust, which allows you to […]
What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in New Jersey?
When someone dies without a will in New Jersey, the distribution of their assets will be determined by the state’s intestate succession laws. Intestate succession in New Jersey follows a specific order of distribution, based on the deceased person’s surviving family members. Here is a general outline of how intestate succession works in New Jersey: […]
What Are the Dangers of Preparing My Own Will?
There are a number of websites that have a forms you can fill out to prepare your will. However, every state has its own requirements with respect to the execution of a last will and testament and it’s very easy to run afoul of those requirements on a website that uses a generic one-size-fits-all template. […]
Why Is a Will Important?
Merrill Lynch found in a recent study that nearly half of Americans over 55 don’t have a will. A will is important because it allows you to dictate and control what happens to your assets upon your death. If you don’t have a will, the state you’re living in will dictate what happens to your […]
