For most New Jersey residents, the topic of planning one's estate brings to mind a stack of legal documents and directives, and a body of paperwork intended to preserve assets and pass accumulated wealth down to those left behind. While there is no denial that...
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Ridgewood Estate Planning Blog
Estate taxes not the only estate planning concern
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Dec 16, 2014 | Inheritance And Estate Tax
Most New Jersey residents are aware that their accumulated wealth will not be subject to estate taxes unless a very high volume of assets has been reached. The exact figure beyond which an estate is subject to taxation currently sits at $5,340,000. For married...
Asset protection requires proper funding of trusts
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Dec 12, 2014 | Asset Protection
Taking a proactive approach to estate planning is a great way to get started. Those in New Jersey who are able to address these matters far in advance of their eventual implementation are at an advantage, as last-minute planning often yields poor results. However, in...
Single people can and should create a simple estate plan
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Dec 10, 2014 | Estate Planning
When discussing estate-planning needs, a great deal of focus is placed on preserving assets and dictating the manner in which one's accumulated wealth will pass on to intended heirs. Often, we discuss these matters in terms of family connections, spouses and children...
The hazards of last minute estate planning
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Dec 6, 2014 | Estate Planning
Many New Jersey residents postpone addressing their estate planning needs. For some, procrastinating will result in a failure to chart out one's wishes in time, and loved ones will be left to wade through the probate process with little concrete guidance as to what...
Estate planning can help protect one’s possessions, family
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Dec 4, 2014 | Estate Planning
Thinking about death is one thing most people likely prefer not to do, especially during the holidays. However, failing to plan for one's death may mean that one's wishes aren't upheld in the event of one's death in New Jersey. Estate planning is critical, no matter...
Think control isn’t necessary for asset protection? Think again
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Dec 1, 2014 | Asset Protection
Drawing up a will or creating a trust can initially feel like passing on the responsibility of your things to other people. Grandma's old piano might be intended for your granddaughter, the china cabinet for your son and a charitable trust for your favorite New Jersey...
Revocable trusts can be key to ensuring asset protection
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Nov 29, 2014 | Asset Protection
When creating an estate plan, many New Jersey residents are looking for a degree of flexibility. This is an important consideration, especially when the needs of various heirs are not the same. Having the ability to customize an estate plan to provide both asset...
Celebrity examples of estate planning mistakes
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Nov 20, 2014 | Estate Planning
In virtually any significant social matter, the mistakes of others can present an opportunity to those who are willing to learn from those errors. Such is the case with celebrity estate planning missteps, which are often widely reported in the media. New Jersey...
Document storage an important part of estate planning
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Nov 18, 2014 | Estate Planning
When New Jersey residents go through the process of planning their eventual estate, it is important to remember that these directives can only be put into place if the guiding documentation is available to those who need to take action in the matter. Simply creating...