Author Archives: Kimberly Paton
ANCHOR Program
What is the ANCHOR Program, and who should apply? The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters, or ANCHOR program provides tax relief to residents who own or rent property in the state. Eligibility is based on residency, income, and age. A detailed list of eligibility requirements for the ANCHOR Program can be found […]
New Jersey Wants YOU to Stay!
Our state recognizes that it is expensive to live anywhere. It is especially difficult as people age and live on fixed incomes. But New Jersey wants us to stay. Therefore, they have created programs to help with property taxes and make living in New Jersey more affordable. While these programs have eligibility requirements, they are […]
Guarding Against Will and Trust Challenges Alleging Duress, Undue Influence and Lack of Capacity
When you’ve acted responsibly and created a will or trust to govern distribution of your assets, you deserve to have your instructions carried out faithfully when the time comes to do so. Unfortunately, there are many instances where someone challenges a legal instrument due to alleged lack of capacity, duress or undue influence. While there’s […]
Estate Planning Considerations for Blended Families
People in blended families have a lot of practice handling situations that might seem complicated or awkward to an outsider. Scheduling birthdays, holidays and school events are sometimes a challenge when parents remarry, but with some advance preparation, a satisfactory solution can usually be found. Estate planning can also be more complicated for individuals in […]
How to Prepare for the Sunset of the High Federal Estate Tax Exemption
The federal estate and gift tax exemption allows individuals to give away money or assets during their lifetime or at death tax-free up to a threshold amount, which since 2018 has stood at $13.61 million per person or $27.22 million for married couples. Since less than 0.1 percent of estates paid any estate tax in […]
What to Expect in a New Jersey Probate Proceeding
Let’s say you have been named the personal representative (also known as executor) in a relative’s or friend’s will, putting you in charge of handling their final affairs. This means going through probate — the process by which the will is validated and the estate administered. Having a basic knowledge of what to expect is […]
Let the NJ MVC help you with New Programs
NJ Motor Vehicle’s Next-of Kin Registry Did you know you can submit your emergency contact information to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC)? The Next-of-Kin registry allows NJ residents of at least 14 years or older to submit and maintain emergency contact information to the NJ MVC. The information is not public. It […]
Learn About the Nation’s Oldest Medal of Honor Recipient: Nicholas Oresko
We at the Paton Law Firm, LLC. are grateful to all our veterans because we know that we owe our freedom to all these brave men and women and their families. Kimberly learned about Nicholas Oresko who was a special veteran and wanted to highlight him. Nicholas Oresko was a Bergen County resident, and he […]
Avoiding Probate by Use of Trusts and Beneficiary Designations
A significant mental block in estate planning can be the belief that you need to create an all-in-one document — ominously known as a last will and testament — that directs how all your property will be distributed upon your death. But the truth is that there are simpler arrangements you can make to give […]
Why a Buy-Sell Agreement Is Vital for Your Small Business
A buy-sell agreement is a contract that establishes the terms and conditions for transferring business ownership interests in case of the retirement, disability, death or voluntary exit of a partner or shareholder or in case of another triggering event. Such an agreement can be essential to ensuring the viability of a small business and protecting […]
