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.
Posted by Anthony Serra | Feb 17, 2022 |
A probate attorney represents clients in settling an estate after a person dies, while an estate planning attorney represents people in preparing their estate plan. They are separate disciplines, though in certain cases, it may be advantageous to retain an attorney who has expertise in both areas since the insight gleaned from one discipline may be used to the client’s advantage in the other. The law can be very nuanced for sure!
Posted by Anthony Serra | Dec 10, 2020 |
Becoming a caregiver for your aging parents can be challenging requiring us to detect as early as possible what their deficits might be. It requires patience and persistence along with a commitment to spending time observing them and listening to what they have to say. Changing the family dynamics and culture to welcome outside help is another important strategy that will keep your parents out of a care facility for as long as possible.
Posted by Anthony Serra | Sep 28, 2020 |
Preparing a Will, Power of Attorney and Living Will does not need to be complicated or expensive. Using our Smart Law platform, you can create an entire estate plan right from your smart phone during your lunch break!
Posted by Anthony Serra | May 20, 2020 |
Marriage is not just a partnership, it is a business arrangement, albeit a very loving business arrangement. Marriage can have a significant financial impact on a family and on an estate plan. Estate panning is just as important for unmarried couples as it is for married couples.
Posted by Anthony Serra | Apr 11, 2020 |
This is a good time to do a Living Will that appoints someone to make medical decisions for you in case you can no longer do so and that spells out your wishes in terms of end of life medical treatment. Forms are available on-line from the N.J. Department of Health or via our on-line Smart Law platform. Legislation is pending that will allow remote notarization of legal documents, including Living Wills.
Posted by Anthony Serra | Jan 23, 2020 |
Guardianship mediation is a very good option for family in conflict over how best to care for an elderly parent or family member.
Posted by Anthony Serra | Nov 30, 2018 |
SMART LAW is our new and innovative approach to accessing legal services that combines the ease and affordability of a DIY on-line platform with the assurance you get from retaining a real law firm. Now you can create an entire estate plan from the comfort of your home using your smart phone!
Posted by Anthony Serra | Nov 01, 2018 |
No one is immune from developing dementia, not even a brilliant Supreme Court Justice. Dementia can be devastating and progress to the point where you are no longer able to manage your own affairs. The best way to plan for this type of condition is to sign a Durable General Power of Attorney and an Advance Medical Directive for Health Care (living will). Take control while you are still in control!
