Practice Areas
Estate & Tax Planning
Estate planning is a process wherein an individual prepares a strategy to handle both lifetime and death planning. Through careful planning we can help ensure that your assets benefit you during your lifetime and your loved ones after your death.
We can assist with the following:
- prevent the State of New Jersey from becoming an unintended beneficiary of your estate
- minimize estate taxes
- preserve control over assets
- appoint a guardian for minor or disabled child
- appoint a trustee to safeguard trust assets for a beneficiary
- simplify and expedite the probate and estate administration process
- eliminate unnecessary court costs and delays
- select agents to take care of your financial, medical and health care directives in case you become disabled
Trust & Estate Administration
We can help save you time and money administrating a trust or an estate. There are many unknown pitfalls for the inexperienced executor, which create personal liability.
We can assist with the following:
- probate wills and establish trusts
- represent the executor/trustee in the administration of the estate
- file the necessary inheritance tax returns and State waivers
- minimize taxes through post-mortem planning
- prepare an accounting for the estate/trust
- prepare releases to close the estate/trust
- file all necessary documents in court
Medicaid Planning
One of the most significant problems facing the elderly is paying for long-term care. Nursing home costs can quickly deplete assets earned over a lifetime.
We can assist with the following:
- assist with filing a Medicaid application
- protect assets from the cost of Long Term Care
- create trusts to shelter a residence or other assets from a nursing home
Elder Law
Elder law is an area of legal practice that specializes in issues with the aging population. The purpose of elder law planning is to prepare the elderly person and their family for financial independence through proper planning covering medical and financial needs. These plans often require qualifying someone for governmental assistance.
We can assist with the following:
- preserve assets from long term care
- reduce estate taxes
- appoint a personal representative to handle financial and medical decisions
- prepare wills, living wills, durable powers of attorney, medical directives, and trusts
Guardianships for Adults and Minors & Special Needs Planning
A guardianship is necessary for any person who is incapable of managing their medical and financial affairs. A guardianship can be established for adults or minors. Court approval must be obtained for the establishment of a guardianship. A special needs trust protects assets for a disabled person to ensure they maintain their public assistance programs and protect their money from exploitation.
We can assist with the following:
- petition the court to establish a guardianship
- petition the court for approval for Medicaid planning
- file a guardianship accounting with the court
- draft a special needs trust and seek court approval if necessary
Residential Real Estate Closings
We can represent you in buying or selling a house from drafting or reviewing a contract to closing.