Articles Posted in Probate

Being named as the executor of an estate can make an already challenging period of grief even more stressful. One of the executor’s duties is to pay the outstanding debts of the estate using the estate’s funds. This is because an individual’s assets and liabilities do not simply vanish after their passing, rather, their assets…

As seasoned New Jersey probate attorneys, we know that the probate process in the Garden State can be complex. This convoluted process becomes even more complicated when the decedent’s last will and testament is of questionable validity. If you believe that the last will and testament of a deceased relative was improperly executed, this guide…

On average, every person that passes away leaves behind at least five family members or friends to mourn and grieve their loss. Often, these family members and friends are left to handle the complicated legal process for handling the decedent’s estate administration—a process known as probate. Nobody wants the added stress of dealing with probate…

As a New Jersey estate planning attorney, I often receive questions about what happens to property when someone dies. It is important to understand the various ways your assets can be transferred, as this knowledge empowers you to make better decisions for your estate plan—as I often tell my clients, knowledge is power. In this…

A loved one passing away is bound to be a stressful time. If your loved one passed away without a will, known as dying “intestate,” this can add confusion to your grief. Your loved one probably had assets and property, but there is no legal document identifying their wishes for distributing their estate. So, what…

When it comes to estate planning, choosing an Executor is one of the most important decisions that a Will’s author has to make. An Executor of a Will, also known as a Personal Representative, is responsible for carrying out the decedent’s wishes as outlined in their Will. This includes paying outstanding debts, taxes, and distributing…

When an individual dies, probate is the mechanism by which assets are distributed to his or her heirs or beneficiaries. The New York and New Jersey probate process is designed to do this in a legally organized manner by ascertaining and valuing the deceased party’s assets, paying any outstanding debts and obligations, and distributing the…

Probate can be slow, time-consuming, and complex. A probate lawyer will assist and support executors and beneficiaries as they navigate the process and help resolve potential financial and legal matters as they arise.  Most executors have minimal experience and will have many questions regarding the administration of the will, court filings, settlement of debt and…

What Happens When a Loved One Passes Away? Losing a loved one comes with many layers of grief for the family and friends of the deceased. It can be hard to know what to do first and how to even proceed with addressing their affairs. For someone, usually an attorney or close family member, it…

If you are in the process of creating a will or trust, choosing an executor or trustee is not always an easy choice. You want to choose someone you can trust to fulfill your wishes and understand your personal preferences. You certainly want someone with enough command of financial responsibilities to correctly and legally administer…