Blog: Estate Planning
- Is estate planning different for a blended family?
Jan 21, 2020
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...Read More - When is a will not enough?
Dec 14, 2019
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...Read More - Does Medicaid cover assisted living?
Nov 8, 2019
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...Read More - Why do millennials need estate plans?
Oct 23, 2019
If you are one of the many residents in New Jersey who is part of the millennial generation, you may have heard your parents or grandparents talk about their wills or other elements of their estate plans. Like a lot of people who are still young, it is easy to think that estate plans are only necessary for people over a certain age. That, however, is far from the truth. Anyone can benefit from having...Read More - How to help your parents create an estate plan
Sep 25, 2019
Life is strange in so many ways, but perhaps the oddest part is when the role of parent and child seems to flip. As your parents age, you may notice that you begin doing more for them, just as they used to do for you in the past. This is a natural progression and how things seem to work out. Taking on the caregiver role means it is up to you to help your parents...Read More - What should I know about including real estate in my estate plan?
Sep 20, 2019
For many people in New Jersey, the largest and most valuable asset they own is real estate. When you create an estate plan, you probably take create care to ensure your real estate is covered. However, there are many details about including real estate in your estate plan that you should be aware of so that you can avoid mistakes or issues. Fox News explains that state laws will often handle the passing of ownership...Read More - FAQs about Guardianship of the Person
Aug 21, 2019
There are a number of reasons that an adult in New Jersey may become unable to take care of his or her own matters. According to the New Jersey Courts, when an adult becomes incapacitated, a probate judge may appoint someone to take care of the individual’s needs. What causes incapacitation? The court has a specific list of impairments that may render a person incapacitated: Mental illness or deficiency Developmental disability Physical disability or illness...Read More - Discussing estate plans with family
Aug 19, 2019
Some in New Jersey have done their part to continue taking care of their families after they pass away. That said, creating an estate plan is one thing, but talking about that plan is something else entirely. Cadence Bank provides advice for those unsure of how to discuss their estate plans with family. This vital conversation is one of the most important that a person can have in her or his life. Lend adult children...Read More - Ensure your will is valid in New Jersey
Jun 24, 2019
The person who creates a will, known as the “testator,” can outline exactly what they want to happen to their assets after they pass. A will can include any information someone wishes to pass on to loved ones about their property, but a few requirements apply to make the will legally enforceable. Below, we outline some of the most frequently asked questions about creating a will that is valid in The Garden State. What makes...Read More - Your estate plan should change along with you
May 31, 2019
Forbes recently published an article discussing the four most common myths about estate planning. One of those myths is that it is not necessary to revise an estate plan after establishing it. This myth was listed at number four, but it should have been at the top of the list. It is not only one of the most common myths, but also one of the most dangerous. In our busy lives, it is already a...Read More

MEET ATTORNEY MICHAEL D. RITIGSTEIN
Michael Ritigstein is a Founding Partner of the firm concentrating his efforts in supporting the firm's litigation, corporate and estate matters. Mr. Ritigstein graduated from the University of Delaware in 1996 and Seton Hall University School of Law in 2000. In 2007 he received a Masters of Law in Taxation with a concentration in Estate Planning, from Temple University's Beasley School of Law.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Attorney Mike took our call & agreed to meet with us for a free consultation. During our meeting he was very thorough in explaining the legal process, approach, cost, and time needed for our case. His fee was very reasonable. I would definitely recommend him to others. You certainly will not regret it should you decide to use his services.
— R. Maraj



