What happens to your properties and assets after you die? If you didn’t have a Will in Hammonton, your wealth would be divided among legal heirs as per NJ’s intestacy laws. With estate planning, you can plan for contingencies and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of. One of the smartest steps in this regard is to consult a Hammonton estate planning lawyer. Here are some key aspects worth knowing.
What estate planning documents do you need?
It depends on your wealth and assets. Depending on how much you own, your lawyer can advise you on protecting your estate and how you can potentially save on taxes. There are a few basic estate planning documents that most people need – A will/trust, powers of attorneys, a living will, and an advanced healthcare directive.
How to make a Will in NJ?
Your Will doesn’t have to be notarized for it to be considered a valid document. In NJ, you can create a Will by signing it in the presence of two witnesses. If you want to minimize hassles for your heirs, you can consider a self-proving Will that is notarized. This could speed up the probate process. Your will has to go through probate. Talk to your lawyer if you can benefit from a trust.
Should you get an attorney for your estate plan?
While you don’t necessarily need an attorney for estate planning, it is a wise step to take. Keep in mind that any issues or mistakes in your documents can lead to serious legal troubles for your loved ones. An attorney can help determine the best ways to protect your assets, and you can work on saving for long-term care. Your lawyer can also help revise and update your estate planning documents as and when needed.
Why do you need an estate plan?
You cannot control everything that happens in the future, but you can plan for all contingencies. An estate plan basically fulfills your wishes with regard to end-of-life care, funeral, and the distribution of your assets. Your estate planning documents will minimize conflict among your loved ones, and more importantly, you can make provisions for the right people and things. Your estate plan can provide for loved ones with special needs, for your pets, and even for charity as you want.
Check online now and find more on estate planning services near you. Contact an attorney instead of using automated legal services.
