Category: Estate Planning

Why the Holidays are the Perfect Time to Update an Estate Plan

We all know the holidays are the right time for sleigh riding, bell ringing, and tree trimming… but what about estate planning? https://gty.im/88749768 The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently suggested something I like to remind my clients of as well: the holidays truly are the perfect time to update an estate plan. Why? Two reasons, really: togetherness[...]

Estate Planning Attorneys Are Humans Too… Or Should Be

It’s no secret that lawyers have a reputation for being “sharky.” In fact, a lot of us came up through law school at a time when the legal field tried very hard to fight back against that stereotype — an effort that continues even now. As a result, many of today’s attorneys are actually determined[...]

The Risks Of Giving Your Home To Your Children

Some parents consider transferring ownership of their homes to their children. Why? Many believe that it is a classic win-win situation. They can continue to live in the house, while at the same time reduce the value of their estate for tax purposes and provide a valuable asset to their kids down the road. If[...]

Do You Need A Lawyer To Create A Will?

Sure, you can create a will without a lawyer. There are even a number of downloadable documents online, and software programs available from your nearest electronics store, to help you do it. However, a recent article in the ABA Journal showcases why the do it yourself approach is not such a good idea. The article[...]

When Was The Last Time You Reviewed Your Beneficiary Designations?

Maybe it’s the IRA you have meticulously made contributions to for the last twenty years. Or the retirement plan you established with your employer the very day you began work at the company. Or that insurance policy you bought many years ago. You created them not only to protect your financial future, but also the[...]

The Importance Of Funding Your Revocable Living Trust

Revocable living trusts are one of the most powerful tools in the estate planner’s toolbox and offer a number of advantages over wills. These include avoiding probate, reducing delays in the distribution of assets, greater control over your assets while you are alive and in the event of incapacity, greater privacy, and more. Unfortunately, many[...]

If You Don’t Plan Ahead, New Jersey Has An Estate Plan For You, And You’re Not Going To Like It

In New Jersey, if a person passes away without a will or trust, his or her estate assets are distributed according to what is known as intestate succession. It’s an estate plan of sorts, and for most people, not a very good one. Certain assets are not subject to New Jersey’s intestate succession laws. These[...]

Estate taxes in New Jersey

I think we can all agree that New Jersey is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. But is it a great place to die? Not so much. Why? In a word (okay, two words): estate taxes. Sure, the federal estate tax exemption is $5.3 million, and taking advantage of the unlimited[...]

The gift that keeps on giving: paying your grandchildren’s college tuition

Paying your grandchildren’s (or adult children’s) college tuition is one of the greatest gifts you can make. The education lasts a lifetime and opens a world of opportunity for your grandchildren. In a way, it is like giving a gift to your children as well, since it alleviates their concerns about paying for their children’s[...]

How to Change Your Will in New Jersey

How Can I Alter My Will? According to New Jersey law, a will can only be altered by the execution of another will or codicil that explains the desired amendment. A codicil is an additional legal document that amends but does not replace a will. The execution of a codicil must meet all the standards[...]

1 9 10 11 12 13 16