New Jersey Estate Planning Lawyer
Experienced attorney prepares documents tailored to clients’ needs
Life is unpredictable, but careful estate planning gives you the chance to protect your loved ones and control the dispersal of your assets no matter what comes along. Putting off estate planning until you reach a certain age or income level could be very costly if the unexpected happens. With five offices in North Jersey, the Law Offices of James C. Zimmermann provides knowledgeable, personalized counsel to individuals and families on all types of estate planning concerns. Whether you’re looking to draft your first will, revise a previous document, create a trust or prepare an advance medical directive, our firm will give you the information you need and develop an accurate, enforceable legal instrument.
Wills
New Jersey requires that will to be in writing and be signed concurrently by the testator and two witnesses. How simple or complex your will should be depends on your particular circumstances and goals. Attorney James C. Zimmerman provides the counsel you need to set forth clear directions about how your property should be allocated upon your death. With professional guidance, you can eliminate confusion and prevent probate disputes from erupting after you are gone.
Trusts
You might not realize how a trust can help you achieve your estate planning goals. Trusts are independent legal entities that hold assets for distribution in accordance with the trust creator’s instructions. They can serve many purposes. Some clients use them to lower their estate tax burden, to establish a means of support for a special-needs son or daughter or to fund a charitable foundation. Many people choose to transfer their assets into a revocable living trust, which allows them to access the property for remainder of their lives. When the trust creator dies, the remaining assets are managed by a successor trustee who distributes them to the trust’s named beneficiaries without having to go through probate.
Advance medical directives
Many people are familiar with the concept of a “living will,” which is more accurately referred to as an “instruction directive.” This document gives you the ability to determine what extraordinary measures, if any, should be taken to prolong your life in the event that you are suffering from a critical medical condition. You can also create a legal instrument that addresses other types of medical care decisions if you are incapacitated but not in the final stages of life. With a durable power of attorney, you can designate a trusted person to act your legal agent should you be stricken with a serious injury or illness. This gives you the security of knowing that your wishes will be honored and that there won’t be a conflict among loved ones about who’s in charge.
Contact a thorough New Jersey estate planning lawyer to discuss your situation
The Law Offices of James C. Zimmermann advises New Jersey clients on various estate planning concerns, including the creation of wills, trusts and advance medical directives. We have offices in Vernon, Wayne, Pompton Lakes, Hackensack and Nutley. For an appointment regarding your situation and needs, please call 973-764-1633 or contact us online.
