Is A Joint Will Your Best Option?
Many couples who have been married for many years naturally think that a will isn’t necessary or that a joint will (also known as mirror-image wills) is sufficient to ensure that the property in their estate will go to the surviving spouse. Unfortunately, though, identical wills executed by a husband and wife often create probate problems when the surviving spouse neglects to modify the terms and conditions in the event of remarriage or some other change in circumstances. There is much to consider when it comes to marriage and wills in New Jersey.
More Than 100 Years Of Custom Estate Planning And Administration Services
If you are a widowed senior citizen who has a joint will, or the adult child of an elderly parent, make sure the right will is in place to reflect your specific intentions. Morris, Downing & Sherred has been helping individuals and families resolve their estate planning issues for more than a century. We will examine the terms and conditions of your joint will and discuss a customized option that is right for your unique needs.
Call our offices in Newton, New Jersey, at 973-383-2700 or contact us by email to arrange an opportunity to discuss your legal needs.
We offer a full range of estate planning services to help you minimize estate taxes and avoid probate:
- Simple wills for individuals
- Mirror-image husband-and-wife wills
- Pour-over wills
- Living wills and health care proxies
- Durable powers of attorney
- What happens when someone dies without a will
What Is A Pour-Over Will?
A pour-over will is frequently used in connection with a pre-existing revocable trust. The purpose is to move assets originally excluded from a trust into the trust without public scrutiny. Our firm can prepare a pour-over will to correct this omission and provide that assets left out when the trust was originally established will “pour over” from the estate into the trust after death.
Experience. Dedication. Results. Contact Morris, Downing & Sherred Today
Contact us at 973-383-2700 to arrange a consultation to learn about marriage and wills in New Jersey or other estate planning needs. We promise customized, personalized service. Learn why clients throughout the region have trusted our New Jersey estate planning lawyers for more than 100 years.
