New Jersey and New York Attorneys: Wills and Estate Planning
A will is a fundamental document that every responsible adult should have. Contact Levy, Ehrlich & Petriello, A Professional Corporation, to talk about creating or updating your will or any other aspect of estate planning or probate.
You need to think about updating your will if any of the following apply to you:
- If you have any assets
- If you are responsible for another human being (spouse or child)
- If you would like to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes in the event of your death
- If you are single and childless but wish to make things as easy as possible for your next of kin (parents, brothers and sisters, grandchildren or other relatives) if you die and they must resolve your affairs
- If you wish to leave part or all of your estate to charity
Some people have heard about how trusts can protect assets from excessive taxation after death. However, even if you have your assets assigned to trusts, there is always the possibility that there will be money or property unaccounted for ― such as proceeds to your estate from a wrongful death claim. A "pour-over" will ensures that all assets will be distributed according to your plan.
You may think that death is far off because you are young. Or you may feel superstitious about contemplating your own death, regardless of your age. Rest assured that your money and property will be distributed when you pass away. The question is whether you want to have a say in how that is done. If not, the state provides for an orderly transfer of assets according to probate laws.
Discuss your estate planning concerns with lawyers who have experience and a strong sense of what clients want and need when they visit a law firm to talk about estate planning. Call Alan Ehrlich at 973-643-0040 (Ext. 108) or by email at alan@lep-lawyers.com to schedule an initial consultation regarding wills, or any aspect of estate planning or probate.
