Fake Will – An Extreme Example to Help Understand NJ Intestate Laws
Have you ever wondered what happens if you don’t have a Will? The answer is that you die intestate, and the laws of the state in which you are domiciled govern. Since reading through the statutes can be tricky, I have created a sample Fake Will so that you can better visualize the effect of […]
Reasons to Create a Will
There are many reasons to create a Will. Overall, it makes it must easier and cheaper to handle your affairs after you pass away. Here are some specific reasons to create a Will:
What is the first thing an executor of a Will should do?
I am happy to announce that we have finally finished creating a series of short videos regarding the estate planning and estate administration process. Here is our second video in which Elizabeth Ketterson, Esq., the Director of our estate administration department, is being interviewed by Kevin A. Pollock, Esq., LL.M. regarding the first things a […]
What Happens to My Facebook When I Die? : How to Choose a Facebook Legacy Contact
It’s probably not surprising to learn that Facebook has become the most widely-used social media outlet in the world, boasting over 2 billion active users as of late 2017(1). The social networking giant is unique in that it caters not only to the younger Gen-X & Millennial demographics, but also to those born before: 79% […]
Benefit of a Life Insurance Trust after the Repeal of NJ Estate Tax
As we get closer to the repeal of the New Jersey Estate Tax on January 1, 2018, it is important to remember that New Jersey has NOT gotten rid of its inheritance tax. Accordingly, if you wish to leave money to brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends or a significant other (besides a spouse) and if […]
Why Titling Of Assets Is So Important In Second Marriages
I was talking to another estate planning recently and discussing how much of our work involves assisting clients who have blended families. Blended families generally refers to clients who are married but at least one of the spouses has a child from a previous relationship. In comparing stories and ways that we can assist clients, we discovered […]
Estate Planning and Divorce in New Jersey
Men and women who are contemplating a separation or divorce have unique needs. Some divorces are very friendly and you can still count on your soon-to-be ex, but in most other situations, you may find that you rethink many aspects of your life, including where you wish your assets to go should something happen and […]
Do I Need An Attorney To Prepare A Simple Will?
I occasionally get asked if it is really necessary to hire an attorney to prepare simple estate planning documents. Usually, the answer is NO, however, I find that once I start asking a few questions, most people really don’t need a simple Will and they would be much better served with professional guidance. Let me […]
Trouble with Probate
Sometimes probate can be a simple process. Sometimes it can be a royal nightmare… and sometimes it can be an expensive royal nightmare. I’m not sure if it is a sign of the times or just a coincidence, but our office has had numerous estates where the probate has not been very easy. To give […]