Our Blog is our way of helping you make sense of what may otherwise be a perplexing or confusing situation in which you may find yourself. But don't despair. Although you may think you are the only one experiencing some type of difficulty or hardship, if you look around, you will see that others are as well. It is said that "what is most personal is most general” — and that is true.
It's in the spirit of making the personal seem more general that we write these blogs so that you gain a better awareness of the issues you may be confronting. And in the process of gaining awareness, you begin to develop a realistic approach to whatever it is you are seeking to accomplish. Of course, these Blog posts are no substitute for one-on-one legal advise; however, you may find them useful, if for no other reason than to put your concerns into the proper context. From there, additional research and consultation with legal professionals can follow.
We hope you find these blogs helpful as you navigate through life's many challenges and opportunities!
P.S. if there are any topics you would like us to address, please send us a note to that effect.
The New Jersey real estate market is currently navigating a complex landscape shaped by various economic and social factors. Here's an in-depth look at some of the most pressing topics influencing the state's housing sector as of March 2025. Urban centers in New Jersey, particularly Newark, have...
Many people believe philanthropy is reserved for the wealthy, but the truth is that anyone can be a philanthropist. You don't need vast resources to make a meaningful impact—small contributions can add up and create lasting change. One way to do this is by incorporating charitable giving into you...
Financial Peace of Mind Setting up an irrevocable prepaid burial account in New Jersey provides significant financial peace of mind. By prepaying burial expenses, you lock in current prices, protecting yourself and your family from future inflation. This ensures that your loved ones will not b...
Many assume their loved ones will "just know" what to do when they pass—but without clear instructions, confusion and disputes can arise. If you have specific wishes, don't leave them to chance—put them in writing! Be Specific About Your Final Wishes Clearly state whether you want to be buried ...
The loss of a loved one is difficult enough, but when family members disagree over the estate, emotions can run high. Disputes often arise over inheritances, the validity of a will, or how an estate is being handled. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate these conflicts while minimizing stress ...
Scenario: I am about to close on the sale of my home and I get a call from my attorney that a mortgage that was paid off almost 20 years ago still showing on my title. How can that be?? This is crazy and the last thing I need to deal with! What can I do?? The Nightmare Mortgage In some cases,...
Scenario: You enter into a Contract to sell your home and during the inspections, you are informed about material defects you otherwise did not know about. If your transaction is terminated, are you required to disclose these defects to the next buyer? Disclosure Obligation When a real estate c...
Basic Facts When Dr. Smith did not show up at his office on Thursday morning, his staff knew there was a problem. Dr. Smith fell several weeks before and suffered a concussion. He seemed to recover ok, but his staff suspected something more involved. At about 9:40 am Thursday, the police calle...
Life can change in an instant. A sudden illness, accident, or medical emergency can leave a person unable to make decisions for themselves, creating an urgent need for someone to step in and manage their affairs. This is especially critical for business owners, whose companies—and employees—depen...
What happens to your business if you suddenly become incapacitated? Without proper planning, your loved ones may face costly and time-consuming guardianship proceedings just to keep things running. This is why every business owner needs a solid estate plan. Power of Attorney vs. Guardianship A ...
February is the month of love—a time to cherish the people who mean the most to us. While estate planning might not seem romantic, ensuring your loved ones are protected is one of the most profound ways to show you care. Whether it's securing a future for your spouse, children, or a cherished fam...
Pleadings are formal written statements submitted by parties in a legal proceeding, outlining their respective claims, defenses, and other relevant issues. They are essential in alerting the parties as to what the issues are and shaping the course of the litigation. Types of Pleadings The...
Scenario: My mother has dementia and lives alone. She is fiercely independent, stubborn as a mule and has no insight into her needs. It's now 5 degrees outside, freezing in the house because the furnace keeps breaking down (and my mother refuses to replace it) and my mom is living in squalor cond...
Help! My dad's cryptocurrency wallet is locked, and I have no idea how to manage his digital life as his guardian! As more of our lives move online, guardianship law is evolving to address the management of digital assets. From social media accounts to cryptocurrency wallets, guardians and court...
Scenario: My husband suffered a stroke and now the bank will not let me access his IRA account! I thought, as his wife, I automatically could access his account. I guess I was wrong... Many people assume that being a spouse automatically gives you the legal authority to manage your partner's fin...
Scenario: I hear all these people talking about living trusts and how I need that to avoid costly probate. Is that all true? What is a Trust? A living trust is a legal arrangement where one party, known as the trustee, holds and manages assets on behalf of another party, called the benefi...
Scenario: Help!! My dad who has dementia disinherited my mother (his wife of 60 years)! What can be done?? Losing a loved one is difficult, and discovering that your father, who had dementia, created a second will cutting off your mother of 60 years adds to the pain. Whether you can fight this d...
Scenario: My husband suddenly died and I feel lost! What do I do now?? Losing a spouse is an emotionally overwhelming experience and navigating the financial and legal steps that follow can feel daunting. In New Jersey, there are several important tasks to address after the first spouse's death ...
Scenario: When Peter was appointed administrator of his late aunt's estate, he was surprised to learn he needed a surety bond before beginning his duties. Peter thought this was odd since a friend of his just settled his father's estate and was not required to get a bond. Why the difference? A s...
Scenario: With her autistic son turning 18 in just three months, Sarah was caught off guard by how quickly the legal landscape was changing—soon, her son would be considered an adult with full control over critical decisions. Determined to protect his future, Sarah started exploring guardianship,...
Scenario: When Jane's father was diagnosed with early-stage dementia, he needed help making important decisions that Jane was not sure her father fully understood. Jane felt paralyzed not knowing what to do or who to turn to for advice. The Importance of Surrogate Decision Making When it comes ...
Scenario: You enter into a Contract to sell your home and during the inspections, you are informed about material defects you otherwise did not know about. If your transaction is terminated, are you required to disclose these defects to the next buyer? Disclosure Obligation When a real estate c...
Scenario: You applied for a mortgage and received a written mortgage commitment, thereby satisfying the mortgage contingency in the Contract. A week before the closing you lose your job, and your mortgage commitment is withdrawn. Now what?? Mortgage commitments can be withdrawn for various reaso...
When planning an estate, it's crucial to understand the terminology used in wills, particularly the terms "devise" and "bequest." While they are often used interchangeably, they have distinct legal meanings. Devise: Real Property A "devise" refers specifically to the transfer of real property, ...
When someone passes away, their estate may be subject to various taxes, depending on the size of the estate and who the beneficiaries are. Estate administration requires executors to navigate tax obligations carefully to avoid complications and penalties. Here's a quick overview of what you shoul...
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