Tag Archives: estate planning
Tragic Hackman Case Demonstrates Importance of Addressing Even Unlikely Estate Planning Contingencies
Most people understand how important it is to develop a valid estate plan, but for true security, you need to create legal instruments that clearly address all reasonable contingencies, and account for changes in circumstances. Knowledgeable legal guidance is critical in this regard. An experienced attorney understands the problems that arise when there are holes […]
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 […]
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 […]
Understanding How COVID-19 May Have Affected the Value of Your Estate
The economic and personal upheaval triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak is likely to warrant a review of your estate plan, no matter how thorough you think it is. As Americans cope with health fears and financial volatility, it’s worthwhile to determine whether a will, trust, advance medical directive or other legal instrument needs to be […]
