Probate Litigation

Death during probate creates extra work for everyone involved. This happens more often than you might think in New Jersey, affecting how the original estate is distributed. Executors must know the proper steps when a beneficiary dies before receiving their...

An executor is not usually personally responsible just because someone challenges a will. In New Jersey, the executor's main job is to handle the deceased person's estate. This includes collecting assets, paying off debts and distributing the remaining assets...

Probate, the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, may be time-consuming and costly. Many seek ways to avoid probate to simplify matters for their loved ones. Below are two potential methods to bypass probate and why this might benefit you and...

Probate disputes can be costly, time-consuming and emotionally draining. When a loved one passes away, the last thing anyone wants is to be caught in a legal battle over their estate. Probate mediation is a potential solution, but is it a good idea?  What is probate...

Managing the intricacies of probate can be a daunting task. The process of settling the estate of a loved one can be overwhelming, and the legal landscape can be complicated. With the stakes high, it is crucial to avoid errors that can cause delays and disputes. If...

You can challenge the validity of a loved one’s will in probate court if you believe it does not reflect their true wishes and intentions. Should you succeed in challenging the will, the court may declare it invalid and take appropriate action as it deems fit. It’s...

Estate planning is an important process that involves organizing a person’s finances once they are gone and several other aspects. As with other legal agreements, parties to estate planning documents must have acted voluntarily and have been of sound mind....

There are a variety of factors that may result in delays during the probate process. Contested wills are one of the most notable reasons why probate cases drag on. Stepmothers and their stepchildren are most frequently involved in such disputes. A study published by...

Trusts are very versatile legal tools for people with unique legal, financial or personal situations. They can help someone protect their property from taxation or from creditor claims. They can diminish an individual's personal wealth so that they can qualify for...

If you are eagerly awaiting your share of an inheritance, it can be disheartening when things seem stuck in probate. Before you start to blame people for the delay, it is essential to understand some of the reasons why probate can take so long. Even if you cannot...