Some people have no living relatives – or only very distant kin they may have never even met. These folks may believe that they don’t need an estate plan. But the reality is that these are the ones who may most need official documentation of their intentions. Let’s...
Cherry Hill NJ Probate & Estate Administration Law Blog
Worried about a will contest? Learn about testamentary capacity
A final will is among the most important documents you may ever create. In it, you can let everyone you love know what you intend to happen to your estate after you die. Unfortunately, well-meaning family members who believe you may have lacked the sound mind to...
3 conversation starters for discussing long-term care with elders
There is little doubt that conversations with parents or grandparents about getting older can be challenging. Most elderly people want to preserve their independence and dislike it when someone younger tries to tell them what to do. Of course, most everyone wants to...
The real goal of a no-contest clause
A no-contest clause is an interesting estate planning tool. Essentially, it’s just a clause you can put into the estate plan saying that, should one of the heirs challenge that plan, they won’t get any of the assets. For example, this is sometimes done with unequal...
Who pays your property taxes when you pass away?
You’re making an estate plan when you realize that you’re not going to be able to pay all of your bills before you pass away. For instance, maybe you pay your property taxes twice a year. But if you pass away before that payment is due, the government is still going...
3 reasons to update your estate plans
Your estate plans will cover a lot of matters. For example, you’ll plan out who will inherit your hard-earned assets, and you’ll also name an executor to manage the process. You can even use your estate plans to name a power of attorney for your medical or financial...
Estate planning: The hidden dangers of giving away assets
It may be tempting to avoid estate planning by giving away assets to loved ones when you are alive instead of creating a will or trust. After all, you will hand down assets to your heirs like you would with your estate plans. It may seem an easy way out, but it can...
Your voice, your choices: The significance of a living will
Suppose you become seriously ill or injured and cannot communicate or independently make medical decisions. Who would speak for you? What kind of treatments would you want or not want? How would your loved ones cope with the uncertainty and stress? It’s why you should...
Adults of all ages can benefit from digital estate planning
If you spend any significant time online and you have reached the age of majority, it is time to start thinking about digital estate planning. Everything you do online contributes to your broader digital footprint. By proactively planning for how that footprint will...
Who should you choose as a guardian for your children?
When you have a child, you may start thinking of things you never thought of before, including what would happen if you died or became incapacitated. It becomes important to consider estate planning and guardianship designations. But, who can you pick among your...