A will is more than just a document listing assets and beneficiaries – it is the documentation of your wishes for your estate and loved ones after death. Drafting your legacy can be complicated, but Rozin | Golinder Law, can help.
Our NJ attorneys have over 95 years of combined experience with important estate planning matters, including wills. We understand how important it is to plan for the future, and we work alongside you to ensure that your will is created with intention and care. At Rozin | Golinder Law, we never cut corners. Our team gives each case the attention it deserves to create a custom-fit strategy that exceeds expectations.
When you are ready to speak to an attorney, contact our New Jersey will lawyers by calling (732) 377-3367.
A will is a document that gives clear instructions for handling your estate after their death. These documents enable you to designate assets for a specific purpose or beneficiary. In some cases, a person may leave a portion of their estate to charity as a donation or specific belongings or investments to loved ones. A will also identifies the executor, the person who oversees the enaction of the will to ensure that your wishes are carried out as provided in the will.
In addition to acting as a roadmap for the future of your estate, a will can make the division of property after death easier for your loved ones. Without a will, your asses will be distributed according to intestacy laws which give your property to your next of kin. While this provides a safety net for families who are left without a will to follow, you may not want your estate to go to specific individuals, or you may want to make special arrangements for particular assets.
To draft a will in NJ, you must be 18 or older and of sound mind. In other words, you must be able to think clearly and remain alert during the drafting and signing of your last will and testament. You must have a hard copy of the will, and while handwritten copies are acceptable, they are not recommended. It is best to submit a clear, concise, typed copy of the will.
The will must be signed in front of two witnesses who are required to sign the will within a reasonable time after your signing. You may have relatives or friends as witnesses, but it is better to have two objective and disinterested people who will not be beneficiaries of your estate.
You may revoke or change the will at any time by burning, tearing, or destroying the document or ordering someone else to do so. If you want to edit the will, you can draft a new one to replace the old will or pursue modification with the assistance of an attorney.
If you pass away without a will, you are considered to have died “intestate.” In this case, New Jersey’s intestacy laws will dictate how your property is distributed. The process of intestate succession may not reflect your preferences, and it can lead to unintended consequences for your family and loved ones.
Under New Jersey’s intestacy laws:
The intestacy process can be time-consuming and complicated, often resulting in disputes among family members. Without a will, there is no way to ensure that your assets are distributed as you would have wanted. Consulting with an NJ wills lawyer can help you avoid these challenges and guarantee that your estate is handled according to your wishes.
Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the acquisition of significant assets can all change your priorities and how you wish to distribute your estate. It’s essential to review and update your will regularly to ensure it reflects your current situation.
In New Jersey, a will can be modified at any time before your death. A will update or revision, known as a codicil, can be used to make changes to an existing will. If the changes are significant, it may be more efficient to create a new will altogether.
An New Jersey wills attorney can help ensure that all changes to your will are legally valid and reflect your current wishes. They can also assist you in creating new documents if necessary, ensuring that your estate planning remains effective as your circumstances evolve.
The cost of creating a will in New Jersey can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the will, the experience of the attorney, and the geographic location of the law firm. The cost of creating a will is an investment in your future and it is often a wise investment, particularly for those with larger estates or unique family dynamics. A well-drafted will ensures that your wishes are honored and helps avoid costly legal disputes after your passing.
When it comes to creating a will, the best type of lawyer to work with is an estate planning attorney. Estate planning attorneys specialize in helping individuals make decisions about how their property and assets will be distributed after death, as well as ensuring that the necessary legal documents (such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney) are in place to carry out those wishes.
Here are the key reasons why our estate planning lawyers are the best choice for creating a will:
Whether you are entering adulthood or in the twilight of life, there is no perfect time to make a will. Protecting your future does not have to wait, and creating one sooner rather than later gives you the chance to change the will as you grow and change over time.
These documents will be the last request to your loved ones, so it is important to craft them with care. Rozin | Golinder Law has the experience you need to create a will that accurately reflects your intentions after death. We provide clients with honest and upfront counsel so they can proceed with confidence.
Schedule a consultation with our New Jersey will lawyers and protect your legacy today by calling (732) 377-3367.
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