New Jersey Estate Planning Lawyers
East Brunswick Counselors Helping Clients Protect What Matters Most
An estate plan allows anyone with assets or property they want to pass on to specific beneficiaries to control how their estate will be handled if they become incapacitated. These plans include specific instructions for medical care and finances, outlined by a collection of legally binding documents. The types of assets protected by most estate plans include vehicles, stocks, life insurance policies, bank accounts, and pensions.
If you are looking to create an estate plan to protect your assets and build a plan for their distribution once you’ve passed on, Rozin | Golinder Law can help. Our estate planning attorneys in New Jersey will work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and prevents your assets from being lost to those acting in bad faith.
Estate planning also plays a vital role in reducing potential conflicts among family members by clearly delineating asset distribution and responsibilities. By setting explicit parameters, an estate plan can minimize misunderstandings and disputes, ensuring your wishes are respected and fulfilled. Furthermore, having a detailed estate plan can significantly reduce the tax burden on your beneficiaries, allowing them to retain more of their inheritance.
To speak with our experienced New Jersey estate planning lawyers, call us at (732) 810-0034 or contact us online today.
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Working With Our Firm
Reasons Why Clients Refer Us To Their Friends & Family
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We provide zealous advocacy throughout your entire matter and will always be upfront and honest with you.
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We do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach and offer personalized legal strategies for each client.
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Mediation services are available with our Certified Mediator who has over 25 years of family law experience.
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Our practice is exclusively dedicated to Divorce & Family Law matters with nearly 95 years of combined experience.
Estate Planning in New Jersey: Essential Information
New Jersey's estate planning laws can be intricate, but understanding them is crucial for securing your assets' future. The state follows the Uniform Probate Code, which standardizes the probate process across different jurisdictions. For residents, it means that if you pass without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to state intestacy laws, where your close relatives might inherit property by default. This makes it vital for individuals to have a state-compliant will or estate plan. Moreover, specific estate taxes apply, depending on the total value of your estate, and knowing these regulations can save your beneficiaries from unnecessary financial burdens.
Rozin | Golinder Law prioritizes understanding and adapting to the nuanced legal structures of New Jersey. By collaborating with clients, we offer guidance tailored to state-specific needs, safeguarding assets while ensuring compliance with all legal requisites. Whether it's revising trusts or establishing guardianship, our dedicated service fortifies your estate against unforeseen challenges. Our New Jersey-based experience ensures that our counsel is both relevant and beneficial, promoting a seamless legal journey for every client.
Understanding Trusts with a New Jersey Estate Planning Attorney
Trusts are versatile tools in estate planning that provide numerous benefits beyond just tax savings. In New Jersey, there are various types of trusts to consider, such as revocable living trusts, which allow the trust creator to retain control over assets and make changes as needed. These are beneficial for individuals seeking flexibility while still protecting their assets from probate. Irrevocable trusts, on the other hand, offer protection from creditors and are often used for estate tax reduction because the assets placed in this trust are removed from the taxable estate.
Charitable trusts allow individuals to contribute to their favorite causes while securing tax breaks, fostering both community good and personal financial benefits. Rozin | Golinder Law helps clients choose the right type of trust based on their financial situation and legacy goals, aligning legal strategies with personal interests. Our approach ensures that clients not only achieve peace of mind but also preserve wealth for future generations in the most effective manner possible.
Preparing for Your Meeting with an Estate Planning Lawyer in New Jersey
Effective estate planning begins with thorough preparation. Before meeting with an attorney, gathering comprehensive information about your assets, liabilities, and personal wishes is essential. Start by listing all tangible and intangible assets, including real estate, stocks, bonds, and personal belongings. Understanding your liabilities, like mortgages or personal loans, allows your attorney to craft a plan that efficiently addresses both your assets and debts.
It's also important to consider who you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Documenting these preferences in advance aids in creating documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives. Rozin | Golinder Law emphasizes the importance of client-centered preparation, ensuring your values and priorities are coherently integrated into your estate plan. Our consultations are designed to guide you through every step comprehensively, turning a potentially complex process into a manageable journey.
To speak with our experienced New Jersey estate planning lawyers, call us at (732) 810-0034 or contact us online today.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 732-810-0034 today!
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What Is the Probate Process in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, probate is the legal process of verifying a will and administering the deceased's estate. It starts with filing the will with the Surrogate's Court in the county where the deceased person lived. If the will is deemed valid, an executor is appointed to distribute the decedent's assets according to the will's instructions. The process ensures that debts and taxes are paid before beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
Probate proceedings can often be avoided if the deceased had a living trust, as assets placed within the trust are not subject to probate. Rozin | Golinder Law advises clients on strategies to minimize the impact of probate, ensuring a smoother transition of assets and reducing unnecessary legal hurdles for beneficiaries.
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How Are Estate Taxes Handled in New Jersey?
Understanding estate taxes is crucial for effective planning in New Jersey. As of the latest regulations, the state does not impose an estate tax, but the federal estate tax might still apply if the estate's value exceeds the federal threshold. However, New Jersey does have an inheritance tax, which varies based on the beneficiary's relationship to the decedent. Immediate family members often have exemptions or lower rates, while distant relatives or friends face higher tax rates.
Rozin | Golinder Law provides insights on minimizing tax liabilities through strategic planning. Our team offers tailored advice to clients, factoring in their specific relationships and assets, ensuring their estate plans are both tax-efficient and aligned with personal legacies.
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What Documents Are Essential for an Estate Plan?
An effective estate plan typically includes several essential documents: a will, which directs asset distribution; trusts, which specify conditions for asset management; durable powers of attorney, which appoints someone to manage legal and financial matters if you're incapacitated; and healthcare directives, which outline your healthcare preferences and appoint a decision-maker in medical situations.
Hiring a knowledgeable attorney is advisable to ensure these documents comply with New Jersey laws and effectively advocate your wishes. At Rozin | Golinder Law, we ensure each document is meticulously crafted, empowering you with confidence and control over your estate and personal affairs.
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Why Is Updating Your Estate Plan Crucial?
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or significant asset purchase can greatly affect your estate planning needs. Regular updates ensure the plan reflects your current situation and intentions. Neglecting updates may lead to unintended distributions or overlooked wishes, potentially causing distress to beneficiaries.
At Rozin | Golinder Law, we stress the importance of periodic reviews of estate plans to adapt to changing circumstances or legislation. This proactive approach ensures that your legacy is preserved according to your evolving vision and that transition to beneficiaries is seamless and aligned with your desires and values.
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How Does a Revocable Trust Benefit Estate Planning?
A revocable trust is a flexible estate planning tool allowing the grantor to retain control over assets during their lifetime. It provides continuity upon incapacity or death, as the designated successor trustee can immediately manage or distribute assets without probate, ensuring a smooth transition. Additionally, it maintains privacy, as trust details remain outside public records, unlike a will.
Rozin | Golinder Law assists clients in setting up revocable trusts to align with their estate planning goals, offering peace of mind and security in asset management. Our personalized approach ensures that these trusts maximize benefits, reflecting clients' unique financial and personal circumstances.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Rozin | Golinder Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Highly Recommend"I highly recommend and will work with Rozin-Golinder Law again. Thank you so much Francesca for your all your hard work and professionalism.- Michael R.
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"Elizabeth and Alyssa are absolutely amazing!"With the expertise and hard work of Elizabeth Rozin-Golinder, and Alyssa Bartholomew, Rozin-Golinder Law was able to successfully file a motion resulting in a court order granting everything we were requesting.- Jaime Y.
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"Great experience with this law firm."I worked with Francesca Buarne, who was professional, courteous, effective at resolving my issue. Her invoices made sense and I felt like it was money well spent.- Jesse D.