A trust is just one part of an estate plan, but it can give you some options that go beyond writing a will. You can often choose between creating an irrevocable trust, which cannot be changed after it has been created, or a revocable trust, which may be altered in the...
Cherry Hill NJ Probate & Estate Administration Law Blog
Are you considering long-term care for your elderly loved one?
Making the decision to transition a loved one into long-term care is not always easy. Whether prompted by a recent medical event or the gradual progression of age-related challenges, the move carries emotional and practical weight. Families often find themselves...
Undue influence has serious consequences and must be avoided
Estate planning is a personal matter that should reflect the creator’s wishes. While the creator may turn to others for help in determining how to set things up in the estate, the final decision must be based on their own desires. There are times when people may try...
Who pays the debts of a person who dies?
When people think about handling a person’s estate, their attention usually turns to distributing assets. Most people don’t think about the person’s debts, but those will have to be taken care of, too. The debts of a decedent typically fall on the estate to pay....
📝 Top 5 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid in New Jersey
Estate planning protects your legacy, your loved ones, and your peace of mind. Yet many NJ families fall into avoidable traps that complicate their plans. Here are 5 of the most common mistakes we see—and how to avoid them: Failing to Update Wills and Estate Documents...
Should you fund a spendthrift trust for your heirs?
When doing their estate planning, some New Jersey residents may have concerns about how their loved ones will manage and use any funds they leave them in their wills. There could be concerns about how access to large sums of money could upset the balance in their...
Estate planning: Why giving away your assets could backfire
You might think, instead of writing a will or creating a trust, why not just give away your assets now and save everyone the trouble later? It sounds simple - no lawyers, probate or other formalities - just a generous hand-off to your loved ones. However, such an...
A.D. v. Essex County DFS: Why Precision Matters in Every Medicaid Filing
On May 5, 2025, the New Jersey Appellate Division issued its decision in A.D. v. Essex County Department of Family Services, a case that serves as a clear—and costly—reminder that Medicaid is a program grounded in strict procedural compliance. The court’s ruling...
Understanding Medicaid Long-Term Care Services & Supports Eligibility in New Jersey: A Guide for Single Seniors
Navigating Medicaid options can be overwhelming—especially when asset transfers or prior gifts are involved. The process often requires attention to both legal nuance and extensive paperwork. This guide offers a concise overview of Medicaid eligibility in New Jersey...
Five ways to ensure your estate’s assets last
You’ve worked hard to accumulate your wealth. If you haven’t already, now is the time to figure out how those assets will be dispersed when the time comes. But the thought of your loved ones inheriting your estate might leave you on edge, especially if you’re...