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It is always a good idea for New Jersey residents to have an estate plan regardless of the circumstances. However, when there is a national health problem in progress, that can make it even more vital to have estate planning documents or update the ones that are already in place. It is difficult to think about life and death issues at any time, and knowing which documents to create and update is essential. A fundamental...

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...

A celebrity chef, Richard Hales, is suing his former hotel employer after being let go. The hotel claims that they fired the chef from their in-house restaurant, Bird & Bone, for poor performance. Mr. Hales disagrees, and claims that he was shocked by the firing because Bird & Bone was having a lucrative year. As a result, he filed a $30,000 breach of contract lawsuit against the hotel company in late April. The hotel, on...

In New Jersey, probate is a legal process intended to distribute a person’s property after their death. While probate is not always required in New Jersey, it is generally required if the decedent owned assets in their own name. Non-probate assets can typically skip the probate process and will automatically be transferred to the new owner. For example, if the decedent owned property as a joint tenant with a right of survivorship, the property will...

Many married couples are not just romantic partners, but business partners as well. You may have built a company from scratch together during the length of your marriage. However, now that your relationship is reaching its end, you’re worried about what to do with the business. Couples who own a business and are considering divorce may struggle to find the right solution. However, there are a few possible options available, so you and your spouse...

The only way companies can stay competitive these days is by introducing exciting new products, creating new ideas and working on projects surreptitiously. The element of secrecy is often of the utmost importance to remain competitive in their field, for fear that someone else might launch their idea first. Similarly, startups based on a new idea need to keep their plans a secret as well. Non-disclosure agreements are one aspect of small business law that...

Closing a business can be a massive undertaking, regardless of whether it was planned or unexpected. When a New Jersey business owner is unable or unwilling to follow the plan of succession that they have put into place they may need to work quickly and efficiently to ensure that all loose ends are tied up as they plan to permanently shut their business’s doors. Before undertaking a business closure and liquidation, consultation with a trusted...

The death of a spouse is a traumatic event for a family. Besides the intense grief that the death of a spouse brings, there is also a lot of paperwork and other details to get through. While going through a spouse’s affairs a person may find they had a credit card they didn’t know about. If a deceased person had a credit card in their name their spouse may wonder if they are liable for...

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...

Creating a thoughtful estate plan takes time and effort. Usually working with a knowledgeable and experienced estate law attorney is the best option for avoiding interfamily squabbles and disputes involving a business or assets. Unfortunately, this has now embroiled the estate of musician Tom Petty, whose widow Dana York Petty and daughters Adria Petty and Annakim Violette are fighting it out in probate court. Petty, who died of an accidental drug overdose in October of...