Anyone, regardless of age or income level, can realize substantial benefits by developing a holistic estate plan. Aside from determining where your assets will be distributed, your estate plan can guide your loved ones in the event you become incapacitated and unable to express your wishes. It is vital to work closely with a lawyer who can provide the guidance and counsel you need.
Our wills and trust attorneys in Red Bank, NJ, Marlton, NJ, and Newark, NJ of McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C., provide skilled representation in the creation of wills, trusts, and related documents. We also assist estate administrators and executors in their fiduciary duties.
What Is An Estate?
Your estate encompasses all of your assets, which means it comprises everything that you possess, such as money, property, financial investments, personal belongings, and other possessions. This also includes any liabilities or outstanding debts that you may still have after passing away.
What Is An Estate Plan?
An estate plan is a set of legal documents and arrangements that dictate how a person’s assets and affairs will be managed and distributed after they die or become incapacitated. It typically includes a will, power of attorney, and may involve trusts, beneficiary designations, or other legal tools to protect and transfer wealth to beneficiaries.
Wills, Trusts, and Will Contest Representation Throughout New Jersey
Some of the foundational elements of complete estate planning and estate administration include:
- Wills — The cornerstone of an estate plan, a will allows you to specifically detail how your assets and property will be divided between your beneficiaries.
- Trusts — Trusts are an increasingly common estate planning tool, allowing you to put aside assets to provide for loved ones. These assets and funds, including family trust funds, will be distributed as you dictate. For complex trusts, our attorneys work together with accountants and other financial professionals to accomplish your objectives.
- Powers of attorney — A financial power of attorney, or statutory durable power of attorney, is named in advance to make financial decisions and take care of certain financial matters and business interests should the individual become incapacitated.
- Appointment of health care representative – This document allows the individual to name a person who will be responsible for making medical decisions on his or her behalf should he or she become incapacitated.
- Living wills and medical directives — A living will outlines specific instructions regarding end-of-life decisions and medical care to be enacted should you become incapacitated.
Our firm also assists clients in probate and estate administration, offering invaluable guidance through this time and helping to avoid time-consuming issues or complications. If you have been named the executor of an estate, we are available to assist you in these duties as well. This includes the distribution of assets to beneficiaries, handling title issues, dealing with creditors, business succession issues and directing all responsibilities of an administrator.
Protecting Our Clients’ Interest In Will Contests
We also handle all types of probate litigation and estate litigation, including will contests. You may require the services of a will contest attorney for the following types of matters:
- You suspect that a document has been forged.
- The will was signed when the deceased did not have the capacity.
- A person took advantage of another’s weakened intellect and exercised undue influence.
- Fraud or coercion was used on the deceased.
- A will was drafted and signed, but the will cannot be located upon death.
- A child or other heir is disinherited completely or does not receive an expected share of the estate.
- A dispute develops concerning the terms of a will.
Our Experienced Estate Lawyers Can Help You
Matters of estate law can be particularly complex. Whether you are interested in estate planning, the intricacies of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or more, an experienced attorney from one of our offices can help you.
We will provide you with a clear and thorough evaluation of your case, as well as all legal options and recourse available to you. Contact us today for a free consultation.