Unequal Inheritances Can Spark Fiduciary Duty Claims
When someone prepares an estate plan, they have the right to distribute property as they choose. Parents often assume they can leave unequal shares to children or favor certain beneficiaries. While unequal inheritances are legal, they often create resentment and disputes. In some cases, they lead to claims that...
The Role of Digital Forensics in Estate Litigation
Estate litigation often centers on questions of intent, capacity, or fairness. Traditionally, courts relied on witness testimony, paper documents, and expert opinions to resolve these disputes. Today, however, digital evidence plays a growing role. Emails, text messages, metadata, and electronic records can provide...
Silent Beneficiaries: Legal Risks of Failing to Communicate Estate Plans
Estate planning is more than just creating documents. It is about ensuring your wishes are understood, your assets are distributed correctly, and your family avoids unnecessary conflict. One of the most overlooked parts of this process is communication. Many people write their wills or set up trusts but fail to...
Executor Removal in New Jersey: When and How Courts Intervene
When someone passes away in New Jersey, their estate must be managed and settled. This responsibility usually falls to the executor, the person named in the will to handle the administration. Executors play a crucial role: they collect and protect assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute property to beneficiaries....
Don’t Let Family Conflict Ruin Your Estate Plan
If you're part of the 27% of Americans who are dealing with family estrangement, it's important to think about this issue while planning your end-of-life documents. Failing to take family conflict into account may lead to legal battles and major arguments later on. To reduce the risk of estate-planning conflict in...
The Art of Family Wealth Preservation
Family Wealth Preservation: Building a Lasting Legacy While most people believe that estate planning is important, only about 31% of the U.S. population has a will in place. Preparing for the distribution of wealth should be a priority for families with considerable assets. Prudent planning is essential if you want...
Estate Planning for Blended Families: How to Make Sure Everyone Is Treated Fairly
Families today look different than they used to. Many people are getting married for the second time. Some have children from past relationships. These types of families are called blended families. If you have a blended family, estate planning is even more important. Without a plan, your money or property might not...
The Paul Walker Memorabilia Dispute: A Digital Lesson
Planning for Your Digital Assets: What You Need to Know , the famous actor from the "Fast and Furious" movies, passed away in 2013. Since then, his legacy has been honored in many ways. Recently, some third parties started selling NFTs with his name and image. His family and are upset about how these assets were...
Children’s Rights in New Jersey Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning, many people assume their children—especially adult children—have automatic rights to manage financial matters or inherit assets. In New Jersey, that assumption can lead to confusion and unintended consequences. This article explains what rights children do and don’t have in relation...
Who Has Standing to Challenge a Will in New Jersey?
When a New Jersey resident passes away, their estate must go through the probate process before their assets are distributed in accordance with the terms of their last will and testament. During probate, the decedent’s will is verified and the estate’s debts are settled before any assets are distributed. Verifying...