Wills and Estate Plans
Ensuring your wealth and wishes are preserved.
We know end-of-life planning can be uncomfortable. But we promise you’ll find comfort in knowing there’s a plan in place. Our attorneys are highly experienced in all aspects of New Jersey estate planning, including the preparation of affordable wills, trusts and other end-of-life legal documents.
We’re also experts in navigating the New Jersey probate process, including in instances of probate litigation and contested wills. Our goal is to take the burden off your shoulders and ensure yours and your loved one’s plans and interests are preserved.
Our New Jersey Estate Planning Services Include:
Preparation of Estate Plans, Wills and Trusts
Overseeing the Probate Process and Probate Litigation
Living Wills
Power of Attorney
Business Succession Planning
Estate Planning and Wills Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the New Jersey probate process?
The probate process is the term for the legal steps required to settle a person’s estate after they die.
If the deceased person had a will or estate plan in place, the first step of the NJ probate process is verifying the will and appointing the executor of the will to settle the person’s affairs and distribute any remaining assets.
What happens if a person dies without a will in New Jersey?
When a person dies without a will they are termed to have died intestate.
New Jersey’s intestacy process is handled by the Surrogate Court in the county where the person last lived. The court will appoint an administrator to oversee the distribution of the estate with preference in order going to a surviving spouse, partner of a civil union or domestic partner, surviving children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces/nephews.
There is no one-size-fits-all framework for New Jersey’s intestacy laws.
If you have a loved one who recently passed away without a will, we can help you. Our attorneys at Singley, Gindele & Rinaldi will support you in identifying who should serve as administrator of the estate under New Jersey’s intestacy laws and will handle the probate process. Contact us at 856-429-3144.
What’s the difference between an estate plan and a will?
An estate plan and a will are not the same. An estate plan is a comprehensive collection of several legal documents together, and it might include a will, as well advanced medical decisions, the appointment of guardians for surviving minors, a business succession plan and more depending one the testator’s unique circumstances and wishes. A will is simply that.
The attorneys at Singley, Gindele & Rinaldi are available to aid in the preparation and revisions of affordable estate plans and wills.
What’s the difference between a will and a living will?
A living will outlines decisions on your medical care if you are incapacitated, while a general will only goes into effect after you die. It’s recommended to have a will notarized to help speed up the probate process for your love ones.