Updating an estate plan is critical. Many people write a plan and assume that they’re done. They have a will on file, so they don’t need to think about it again. But this is a problematic stance to take, as it could mean that the estate plan is significantly outdated...
Estate Planning
How older adults can keep financial resources out of probate
Many people establishing estate plans primarily worry about protecting their loved ones. Others want to preserve and protect their assets to maximize their legacies. Particularly in scenarios where individuals have accumulated financial resources throughout their...
How gifting can help those planning for estate taxes
Adults fine-tuning their estate plans as they prepare for retirement or think about maximizing their legacy generally have to consider taxes. As personal holdings increase in value, the risk of estate tax looms large. The more a person directly owns, the greater their...
Legal tools that safeguard the assets of elders
Protecting assets is very important for elderly individuals. They have worked hard for decades to collect those assets. Unfortunately, elders in New Jersey are vulnerable to financial exploitation. There are also significant costs associated with long-term care and...
3 ways to protect your assets via estate planning
Estate planning is more than just deciding who inherits your assets—it’s about protecting those assets from potential threats like lawsuits, creditors and taxes. An effective asset protection strategy ensures your wealth is preserved for future generations while...
What to know if you’re including your caregiver in your will
Many New Jersey residents are able to remain in their homes as they get older, even if they don’t have family living nearby, because they have an in-home caregiver. These caregivers can provide a range of services, big and small, to help older people with the...
Advance directives: Proxy or Instructive?
An advance directive is a legal document that states your preferences for medical choices to be made on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so. It acts as a guide for your loved ones and medical staff to follow when making decisions on your behalf if...
Passing your home to an heir: What are the options?
Your home isn’t just the place you live – it’s also a considerable portion of the wealth that you have to pass on to those you love. Deciding how to pass this asset to your chosen beneficiaries can be complicated because there are several different methods you can...
How does an irrevocable trust protect assets?
Relying on a will alone to protect your wealth after you are gone may leave some loose ends since you never know what lies ahead. For instance, imagine leaving your assets to your children through a will. If they incur significant debt, their inheritance could be on...
How to use a power of attorney for long-term healthcare
A medical power of attorney is a representative, such as a spouse or family member, that can act on your behalf if you can no longer make decisions on your own because of a mental or physical disability. Once you have picked the right power of attorney to help manage...