News & Resources: Blog: Estate Planning

News & Resources: Estate Planning

Estate Planning

The Executor’s Role

Even though the decedent nominated you to be their executor, you will still need to be appointed to that role by their local probate court.

The Estate Planning Process for Individuals with Special Needs

What is the definition of special needs? Those with learning difficulties, behavioral or emotional problems or physical disabilities are referred to as special needs. For example, individuals with autism, ADHD, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, dyscalculia, dyslexia, deafness, blindness, and cystic fibrosis fall into the special needs category, as do cleft lips, missing limbs, and more. The […]

What Makes Estate Planning So Crucial for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Regardless of orientation, anyone can benefit from estate planning because it provides protection for loved ones. In the LGBTQIA+ community, estate planning can legally protect against discrimination even if others are reluctant to recognize your relationship and your desire to permit your partner to make decisions for your care should you become unable to. Estate […]

Living Wills: Ten Things You Should Know

In contrast to a last will and testament, a living will does not transfer assets and property after death. Instead, it is a mechanism to communicate to your family and doctors how you want medical care conducted when you aren’t able. Your living will is an essential part of an estate plan to help you […]

What You Need to Know About Special Needs Guardianships – Part 2

You must know the key responsibilities of a guardian, once you understand how guardianship can help a special needs adult. Guardian duties vary depending on the protected person’s limitations and abilities. However, some general responsibilities tend to fall to all guardians, including: Ensuring the protected person’s living situation is not only safe and appropriate but […]

What You Need to Know About Special Needs Guardianships – Part 1

It is particularly hard to protect and provide for children with special needs who require additional care to address their vulnerabilities. Structuring your estate plan to include the appropriate legal documents in the event of your death is crucial, especially when naming a guardian. Special needs children often require guardianship past the age of 18. […]

How to Handle the Death of a Family Member Without a Will

COVID-19 has made Americans more aware of the importance of having a will, a living will, and perhaps even a living trust. Still, this knowledge is not translating into estate planning action. No matter your age or asset level, having a will is beneficial. According to a recent survey, nearly 33 percent of Americans have […]

Avoid These Common Mistakes by Regularly Reviewing Your Estate Plan

Most Americans believe estate planning is a one-time task that, once completed, can be filed away until their deaths. However, without being aware of the potential impact, people will make gifts during their lifetime or change listed beneficiaries on accounts which can have enormous unintended consequences on their will or trust. Review your estate plan […]

Being a Financial Guardian for a Loved One

Banking and payment of bills can become more difficult with age, but incapacity by accident or illness can strike anyone at any age, posing the same challenges. Incapacity is not just about mental cognition, accident, or illness. You may have a loved one who cannot drive themselves to the bank or has a distinct visual […]

Special Needs Planning: What You Need To Know

Enabling the Disabled Families can carefully manage their money to meet disability rules while still providing perks to the disabled individual. Family money can be carefully managed to fit the disability-benefit rules and still provide additional perks for the disabled person to enjoy. And, though the rules can be strict, disabled people are still permitted […]

CLIENT Testimonial

Dear Scott - Thank you for a job well done. I've settled the estate with my siblings. I also remitted my executor's fee to the children of my deceased sister. Thanks again for all you do!

- Estate of Fay B., Cranbury, New Jersey