Blog: Estate Planning

Much like estate planning is not for the old, considering elder law issues is not something for just the elderly to consider and work through. A young adult at the ripe age of 18 could begin this process; however, no matter when an individual begins the elder law estate planning process, it is important to note that there are different stages of this process. While drafting an estate plan that deals with elder law issues...

Discussing the future can be easy when you’re making fun vacation plans or are looking forward to a significant milestone such as marriage or the birth of a baby. But when it comes to difficult topics – like what will happen after your parents pass away – those conversations are much harder to begin. However, adults with elderly parents need to have these conversations. Not only for your sake but your parents’ sake as well...

If you are a newly separated person and you and your spouse are preparing to get a divorce, you know that every aspect of your life may feel up in the air right now. It can be overwhelming to be faced with a seemingly unending list of decisions to make, yet you must work through them one by one. Your estate plan may feel like something you can address down the road, but the reality...

One of the advantages of creating a charitable trust is that it allows you to continue to fund worthy causes in perpetuity. However, problems can arise specifically because of the enduring nature of a trust. Due to changes in circumstances over time, it may become impossible, impractical or even illegal to fulfill your stated intentions through your charitable trust. According to National Paralegal College, the court may apply the cy pres doctrine in a situation...

For people who are philanthropically minded and able to make sizeable donations to charitable organizations, combining their donor activities with their estate planning can be wise and beneficial to both their intended charities and to themselves. A charitable remainder trust may provide the right vehicle for people in these situations but understanding how this type of trust works is important. As explained by Fidelity Investments, a charitable remainder trusts allows a person to put assets...

No matter the size or scope of one’s estate in Haddonfield, the estate planning process can be quite complicated. It is for this very reason that estate planning experts recommend that those involved in it be as transparent as possible. Many experts might also say that this is wise to include would-be beneficiaries in it (as preparing people for what their roles and/or their interest in an estate might be prior to it being administered...

Many people assume they will be named as the executor of a parent’s will, but that may not always happen. Wise adults do not simply identify a person to be a will executor based on familial relations. The job of an executor should be thought of as just that – a job – instead of a ceremonious title bestowed on someone. Understanding what an executor’s responsibilities are is important when determining who to name in...

No longer is it uncommon for a person to get married more than one time in their life. A remarriage may happen after the death of a first spouse or after a first marriage ends via divorce or an annulment. Regardless of how a previously married person finds themselves single again, they deserve the opportunity to move forward positively and create a life with a new spouse. While embracing the joys and opportunities that come...

If you are the parent of a special needs New Jersey child, you likely spend a good deal of time taking care of him or her and making sure that (s)he receives the attention, education and support (s)he needs to make his or her life as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. What you may not have thought about, however, is that your estate plan needs to consist of more than simply your Last Will and...

Residents of New Jersey who are getting older are likely aware that they need to start estate planning. However, many people believe that estate planning is merely making plans that are not going to be put into effect until after the individual’s death. However, where assisted living is concerned you may want to consider estate planning in a more immediate light. For instance, many people believe that they can use Medicare to help them pay...