Frequently Asked Probate Questions
1) How do I begin the probate procedure? The person that wishes to be appointed to represent the Estate will bring a certified copy of the death certificate and the original Will. The probate cannot
Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families
Estate planning for traditional couples usually consists of having a Will, Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney and Advanced Health Care Directive. There are typically three types of couples that need planning significantly
Still Beware of State Death Taxes…
Despite the new and generous federal estate tax exemption of $5 million per estate and $10 million per couple, many less wealthy families still have to plan for estate taxes–state estate taxes that is. The
Estate Planning New Year’s Resolutions
Review and Revise Your Estate Plan If you have already established a will, you should be aware that the laws that govern estate planning (such as power of attorney rules, Medicaid regulations, and estate and
Top 9 Most Expensive Medicaid Mistakes
1. Mistakenly thinking it’s too late to plan. Even after a person has moved to a nursing home it is not too late to plan. Our law firm can assess your situation and provide you
The New Tax Law: Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010
President Obama is expected to quickly sign, a multi-billion dollar tax cut package, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 (2010 Tax Relief Act) (H.R. 4853). The new law follows
Do You Need to Revise Your Estate Plan?
If your will is over 5 years old, you probably need to revise the documents. Why Do You Need To Revise or Update Now? Because the laws that effect your estate plan change frequently. For
Letters of Instruction, or Ethical Wills
Most people are aware of the importance of establishing a will, but a legal document like that does not necessarily allow you to convey an array of important details and thoughts to your loved ones.
NJ Division of Taxation Announces Conferences and Appeals Branch Initiative
In an effort to address the large backlog of cases awaiting an administrative hearing pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:49-18, the NJ Division of Taxation recently announced its reallocating resources in order to increase the number of
Adding Beneficiaries to an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust
If the owner and beneficiary of the a life insurance policy is an irrevocable life insurance trust (“ILIT”), the proceeds from the life insurance policy would not be included in her estate and could be
Beware PODs and TODs
Virtually any bank or brokerage account can provide that it is paid on death (“POD”) or transferred on death (“TOD”) to named beneficiaries. And IRAs, 401Ks, pension plans and insurance policies are typically made payable
Estate Tax in 2010
The federal estate tax, or “death tax” is in the news these days. This year (2010) there is no federal estate tax. It was repealed, but only for one year. The federal estate tax will