Articles Posted in Estate Planning

Understanding fiduciary duties in New Jersey is essential for anyone involved in estate planning, whether as an executor, trustee, or attorney-in-fact. These fiduciaries are legally and ethically required to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, ensuring that assets are managed responsibly and wishes are carried out faithfully. Whether you are…

What happens to your estate plan if you get a divorce is a critical question during one of life’s most significant transitions, as divorce affects not only your emotional well-being but also your financial and legal arrangements. Among the many considerations during this challenging time, your estate plan requires careful attention. What happens to your…

Putting a house in a trust is a nuanced process that requires careful planning to ensure compliance with state laws and alignment with your estate planning goals. This strategic move can protect your property during your lifetime and create a seamless transition of ownership after your passing. Whether you own a primary residence, vacation home,…

Placing your home in a trust is a common estate planning strategy that helps avoid probate and provides clear instructions for the property after your death. However, when there’s an existing mortgage on a home in a trust, many homeowners wonder who becomes responsible for those payments. Understanding how mortgages work with trusts is essential…

Does a trust avoid probate? And what’s so bad about probate that you have to avoid it? If you’re creating an estate plan for your assets in New York, chances are that your estate planning lawyer is encouraging you to get a trust so you can skip the probate process. What about probate makes it…

A financial durable power of attorney is essential to protect your assets once you are no longer capable of doing so yourself. If you are based in New Jersey and have assets you want to protect your finances to ensure your family’s future, this document is an essential part of your estate plan. We recommend…

The New York estate tax can cause confusion and even legal issues, especially for people unfamiliar with its specifics. If you or a loved one owns an asset in New York, it’s critical that you understand the basics of this tax rule. Hiring an estate planning attorney to handle your estate tax is essential, but…

In a recent significant legal decision, a Nevada probate commissioner denied Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to amend his family’s irrevocable trust. This case has drawn widespread attention from estate planning lawyers — and not just because of its high-profile figures.  If you’re currently navigating the complexities of estate planning in New York, and any other state,…

Estate planning is crucial in ensuring your wishes are carried out before and after death — but it’s not always a simple process. Many people make significant yet avoidable estate planning mistakes in New York, either through neglect, not using an attorney, or misunderstanding the process. Here are the eight most common errors people make…

When was the last time you saw your will? Do you have a copy of it? You may not realize it, but unfortunately, a copy of a will in New Jersey probate may not be good enough to fulfill your wishes. If you cannot find your original will, our New Jersey estate planning lawyers are…