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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!

A Power of Attorney is a great way of avoiding the need for guardianship over an aging parent or family member.

It is usually best to appoint only one person to be your Executor, POA or Health Care Representative since appointing two or more people can lead to conflict. However, if two or more people are appointed, then it is wise to include in your documents a "Conflict Resolution Clause" that sets out a process for resolving conflict that is designed to arrive at an amicable resolution (win/win outcome) rather than going to court (win/lose outcome).

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.

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!

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.

A new law just passed in New Jersey allows documents to be signed and notarized remotely. This includes estate planning documents such as Wills, Powers of Attorney and Living Wills. This is a good time to get these documents in place without leaving your home.

A Power of Attorney is an extremely important document for when (and if) you become disabled and can no longer manage your own affairs. A Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the legal authority to act foe you and in your best interests when you are unable to do so. Without a Power of Attorney, you run the risk of having someone managing your affairs who you otherwise would not want knowing your business. You can avoid that by signing a Power of Attorney.

Guardianship mediation is a very good option for family in conflict over how best to care for an elderly parent or family member.

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!

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!