It's important for New Jersey residents to plan how their estates will be distributed when the time comes, but many of them may not know the importance of the estate planning process. Without a solid estate plan, their children don't always know what assets they own,...
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Ridgewood Estate Planning Blog
Baby Boomers plan for Medicaid
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 3, 2013 | Estate Planning
A unique trend is emerging among Baby Boomers as they plan for retirement. Many are now attempting to position themselves through a process known as Medicaid planning to be more likely to qualify to receive Medicaid while still preserving their assets.Medicaid, a...
Medicaid planning can protect assets and access to care
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | May 2, 2013 | Medicaid Planning / Nursing Home Planning
Medical care is expensive, and this gets even truer as people get older, especially if they develop a serious illness or have to move into a nursing home. In these situations, even people who have set aside a significant amount of assets for retirement may have a hard...
Area man convicted of fraudulently deceiving elderly woman
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Apr 25, 2013 | Estate Planning
In April, a 43-year-old Matawan resident appeared in court to plead guilty to numerous charges, including several counts of attempted impersonation and theft by deception. The charges arose out of the man's impersonation of an 87-year-old woman's nephew. He then used...
Can someone file for bankruptcy and keep assets held in trust?
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Apr 22, 2013 | Estate Planning
When New Jersey residents consider filing for bankruptcy, one of the things they should evaluate before filing is whether or not they have any trusts. This is important because some trusts can be used to pay creditors during a bankruptcy. Therefore, even if someone...
Trust decisions get tougher with tax changes
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Apr 20, 2013 | Trusts
New Jersey residents who want to set up trusts for their descendants face a myriad of new laws and regulations that may affect how they plan for trust dispositions. Estate planning is not becoming a simpler process; rather, with the changes brought about by the...
Probate can be quick and easy
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Apr 18, 2013 | Probate
Many people are terrified by the thought of making a will or going through a probate process for a will for which they are named executor. However, New Jersey probate does not have to be a difficult process, especially when the person making a will uses proper...
Post-fiscal cliff estate planning involves tax questions
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Apr 12, 2013 | Estate Planning
Estate planning experts have been watching the developments over budget and taxation policy in view of the recent "fiscal cliff" issue. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 has provided some clarity on estate planning issues, but those concerned with wills, trusts...
Digital assets can enrich inheritance
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Apr 10, 2013 | Estate Planning
Digital assets, such as accounts on Internet websites, should be included when making estate plans, according to experts. Estate planning in New Jersey and elsewhere often includes information about bank accounts and life insurance policies, but many people forget to...
Don’t put off estate planning
On Behalf of The Manna Helmy Law Group | Apr 5, 2013 | Estate Planning
Some residents of New Jersey may feel that estate planning is not necessary because they do not have complicated finances or all of their assets are held jointly with their spouse. However, estate planning only needs to be as complicated as someone's finances are, so...