New Jersey Will and Estate Lawyer

Experienced Trust and Estate Attorney in Hamilton, NJ Advises Clients Through the Estate Planning and Drafting Process in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, and Throughout NJ

Wills, trusts, and estates are important for organizing your life and values, preserving your assets, distributing your property, and, perhaps most importantly, looking after your family. The process of drafting a will, creating a trust, or planning an estate can be confusing to some, but it does not have to be difficult. It is important to have a dedicated New Jersey Will and Estate Lawyer to guide you through this process and help you along the way.

Every person is different and has various needs and interests that go into consideration when drafting a will, creating a trust, or planning an estate. If you are interested in drafting a will, creating a trust, or planning your estate, and live in Mercer County, Burlington County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, or anywhere else in New Jersey, the legal team at Hartman Duff, LLC is skilled and experienced and ready to help. Contact our qualified New Jersey Will and Estate Lawyer today to discuss the specifics of your case.

Wills

A will is a legal document that sets forth your intentions regarding the distribution of your property after your death, who will be in charge of your property until it is distributed, and the care of any minor children. It is irrelevant how old or wealthy you are, a will is an important and necessary legal document that can help your business and property continue smoothly, ensure that your family is taken care of, and help prevent disputes that may arise among loved ones concerning assets or property after your death.

Upon drafting and signing a will, you make significant decisions regarding who is to administer your estate and be a guardian to your children. Without one, these decisions are left up to the court. Your estate will be administered whether there is a will or not. However, it is important to take the time to carefully write down your intentions regarding your property and family. Meanwhile, a will helps to decrease the costs related to administration, taxes, and other expenses surrounding your assets.

Furthermore, a will can be modified or changed at any time before your death as long as you are competent. It is important to consider reviewing potential changes to your will whenever there is a change in your family structure, a change in the law, or a change in your finances. The attorneys at Hartman Duff, LLC are here to help you draft and execute your will and carry out your wishes regarding your family and property. Contact us today.

Trusts

There is often a fair amount of uncertainty and confusion surrounding trusts…how they work, if they are necessary, what should or should not be included in a trust. There are several reasons to create a trust:

• Provide financial support to a loved one
• Make a contribution to a favorite charity or non-profit organization
• Concern about a beneficiary who cannot responsibly manage and spend money
• Protection for a beneficiary from creditors, who cannot reach trust assets or force payment of debts and liabilities from the trust
• Professional financial management over investments where a spouse or family have little experience or knowledge regarding investing
• Reduction of federal and New Jersey taxes.

Essentially, you can create a trust in New Jersey for anything you want to accomplish, so long as it does not break New Jersey law or public policy. A trust is a confidential and protective agreement where your assets are transferred to a trustee for the benefit of someone else. The person who makes the trust executes a written document and transfers property to a person called a trustee. Every trust has a trustee, who oversees the distribution of assets or and is responsible for administering the trust to its beneficiaries.

Issues surrounding trust creation are common, and having the right attorney can make all the difference. If you need legal advice about a trust and how to use it in organizing your property or protecting your family, the Hartman Duff, LLC attorneys are experienced and trustworthy in all such areas. Contact our team today.

Estates

Estate Planning is the preparation, preservation and administration of an individual’s property or assets in the event of their death or incapacitation. Estate planning also includes the distributions of assets to family and the settlement of estate taxes. Most estate plans are established with the assistance of an estate planning lawyer experienced in such matters.

Your estate consists of all of the property you own, including the following:

• Your home and any other real estate you may own
• Tangible personal property, including cars, furniture, jewelry, etc.
• Intangible personal property, including bank accounts, savings and retirement accounts, insurance, investment (e.g., stocks and bonds) and pension and social security benefits.

Contact our Experienced New Jersey Will and Estate Lawyer to Discuss Options Today

If you are interested in drafting a will, creating a trust, or planning your estate, you need the legal guidance of our experienced New Jersey Will and Estate Lawyer. We serve Mercer County, Burlington County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, and the rest of New Jersey. Act quickly to allow yourself enough time to look at options for planning your estate. Contact Hartman Duff, LLC today.

New Jersey Will and Estate Lawyer Answers Frequently Asked Questions about Wills & Estates in New Jersey