Planning for the disposition of your property upon your passing can be an uncomfortable task. However, an organized estate plan is necessary if you wish to leave your family members and loved ones your estate in an orderly fashion. Whether you are young in life or already retired, planning for the inevitable will protect your family and assist them in one of the most difficult times in their lives. You must remember that if you die without a Will, your your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of the State of New Jersey, which may not be in accordance with your actual wishes.
The New Jersey Estate planning attorneys at Ward, Shindle & Hall are committed to helping you create the appropriate estate plan that will ensure that your wishes are properly carried out. Our lawyers assist individuals and families throughout New Jersey with all types of estate planning issues, and we counsel executors, administrators, and trustees in connection with estate and trust administration matters and represent both fiduciaries and beneficiaries in contested estate administration matters that may, or may not, lead to litigation.
At Ward, Shindle & Hall, we take a comprehensive approach to estate planning and our lawyers are prepared to assist clients with most aspects of wills, trusts and estate planning, including:
- Wills and Trusts
- Estate Planning, including Living Wills and Powers of Attorney
- Guardianships
- Special Needs Planning
Our estate planning lawyers will collect all the necessary information from you and spend the required amount of time speaking with you to develop a clear understanding of your wishes and concerns for the future. We also carefully explain the estate and tax laws so that you have a thorough understanding of the impact their choices may have on your family. We know that every family is unique and that clients come to us with different needs. Our job is to help you explore the different ways in which you may accomplish your goals. In doing so, we will give thorough consideration to all of the issues you face, and we will work with you to develop a customized plan that is consistent with your objectives.
To learn more about our wills, trusts and estate planning services or to schedule a consultation with the Ward, Shindle & Hall team, please contact our firm at (856) 853-7771.
NJ Estate Law Blogs & Articles
What Could Happen When a New Jersey Resident’s Will Is Lost
A caution on what could happen when a New Jersey resident’s Will is lost at the time of their death. When a loved one passes... Continue reading→
Burial Disputes Between Parents in New Jersey
How does NJ settle burial disputes between parents when a child passes away? Every parent’s worst nightmare is to have to bury their child. And... Continue reading→
The Probable Intent Doctrine in New Jersey
The doctrine of probable intent guides courts in construction of a will or trust. It is crucial to use clear, unambiguous language when creating your... Continue reading→
What is Per Stirpes and How Can You Use it in Your Will?
Per Stirpes is a simple method of adding contingent beneficiaries to your will. Deciding who will inherit your assets and estate after you pass away... Continue reading→
Proving Undue Influence In New Jersey
When administering the estate of someone who has passed, the priority should always be to honor their intentions and wishes. In most cases, this can... Continue reading→
Wrongful Death Act In New Jersey
When someone passes due to a wrongful death in New Jersey, there are certain requirements if the family intends to file a wrongful death claim.... Continue reading→
Issues With Partition Action In New Jersey
There are many ways to own property jointly in New Jersey, In some instances, if owners cannot agree to how to handle a property, a... Continue reading→
The Slayer Statute
It is generally understood that the slayer statute protects a persons belongings and funds when they are slain by a beneficiary of their estate. That... Continue reading→
8 Common Mistakes in Estate Planning
We see clients make the same mistakes in estate planning over and over. There is plenty of information out there about what to do when... Continue reading→
End-of-Life Decisions: What to Consider and Why it’s Important
While it can seem morbid, making end-of-life decisions is important to both your estate and your loved ones. There is a lot to consider, which... Continue reading→
Inheritance Tax Comparison: NJ, PA & DE
This article should make you familiar with the general inheritance tax considerations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Tax considerations are a large part of... Continue reading→
A Properly Executed Will: Lessons from Aretha Franklin’s Estate Battle
Aretha Franklin’s estate battle teaches us lessons about a properly executed will. The recent jury verdict in the case of Aretha Franklin’s estate has shed... Continue reading→
Deeds & Undue Influence In New Jersey
Undue influence in New Jersey can become a problem when transferring property according to a Last Will and Testament, as deed is required to initiate... Continue reading→
Intestacy in NJ
Did you know that if someone dies without a valid will, the law of intestacy in NJ governs who inherits the estate? A New Jersey... Continue reading→
Changing Circumstances And Estate Planning
Estate planning is an ongoing process that often requires changes. It is likely that you’ll have to make changes and adjustments to your Will several... Continue reading→
When to Challenge a Will for Fraud, Undue Influence, or Insane Delusion
If loved ones are manipulating a loved ones will after their demise you may be asking yourself the question of when to challenge a will... Continue reading→
How to Include Charitable Gifts in Your Estate Planning in New Jersey
Estate Planning in New Jersey can be a complicated task. Often, when considering who will benefit from your assets in the future, you think of... Continue reading→
An Unsigned Will Found to Be Invalid in New Jersey
An unsigned will In New Jersey means nothing, if you write a will and do not properly sign it then it will be considered as... Continue reading→
