At E.A. Goodman Law, LLC, we advise clients in Bergen County, New Jersey on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. We know that no two estates are alike and that each client has unique needs. Our practice is dedicated to helping clients achieve their estate planning objectives.
The estate planning process is not simply a matter of deciding who gets what after you’re gone. Instead, a comprehensive estate plan will put you in charge of your financial future and help prepare you for the expected and unexpected. Don’t wait until it’s too late to plan your estate. Contact our Morristown office today to get started.
Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney in Bergen County
From Fort Lee to Paramus to Lodi and elsewhere in Bergen County, estate planners have long relied upon the trustworthy advice we provide. Our trust and estate attorneys are highly experienced in a wide range of estate planning matters, including:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Planning for children
- Incapacity planning
- Special needs planning
- Business succession planning
- Guardianships
- Probate/estate administration
- Trust administration
- Elder law
When you consult with us, we will take the time to learn about your life and your estate planning goals so that we can tailor a plan specifically to meet your needs. For many clients, a will-based plan best suits their needs, while others can benefit from establishing trusts. By working with our experienced estate planning attorneys today, you will be better prepared for tomorrow.
Why Bergen County Residents Need an Estate Plan
A common misconception is that estate planning is only for the wealthy or those who have children. But estate planning is for everyone, regardless of their financial status or family situation. At a minimum, your estate plan should include essential documents such as a:
- Will to declare how your assets will be managed and distributed after you die, designate guardians for your minor children, establish an inter vivos trust, and clarify funeral and burial arrangements
- Durable power of attorney to name an agent (typically a spouse, adult child or close friend) to manage your personal and business affairs should you become temporarily or permanently incapacitated due to illness or injury
- Advance health care directive or healthcare proxy naming a trusted person to make decisions about the medical care you prefer to receive when you cannot communicate those wishes
These documents are the cornerstone of a well-conceived estate plan that will serve to protect you, your assets, and your loved ones. Trust E.A. Goodman Law to set up your plan and advise you about all your estate planning options.
Advanced Estate Planning Attorney in Bergen County
For those who can benefit from trusts and other advanced estate planning tools, E.A. Goodman Law is the experienced choice. We regularly advise clients about:
- Revocable living trust to take ownership of your property primarily to avoid probate, but also to plan for incapacity and mitigate estate taxes
- Irrevocable trusts to achieve objectives such as providing for a loved on with special needs, planning for long-term care, protecting your assets, and establishing a charitable legacy
By working with our knowledgeable attorneys, you will have confidence, knowing that your legacy and loved ones will be protected.
Why You Need an Attorney
Though financial information and estate planning document forms are readily available on the internet, it is wise to work with an attorney who knows how to protect your interests. At E.A. Goodman Law, we are highly regarded for serving Bergen County with the highest standards of professional excellence. Above all, we are dedicated to our clients’ needs and helping them achieve their estate planning objectives.
We welcome clients from all walks of life — new families, business owners, solo boomers, same-sex couples — and always work in their best interests. We have a well-earned reputation as dedicated advocates who provide estate planners with compassionate, efficient representation. When you become our client, we will offer you knowledge, sound advice, and the personal attention you deserve.
Probate and Estate Administration
If you have been named the executor of a loved one’s estate, you will have many important duties that must be faithfully carried out. Moreover, being an executor means that you are considered a fiduciary. You must always act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and can be held liable for mistakes or misconduct.
While probate is not necessarily a complicated process, it really depends on the value of the estate assets. Similarly, when someone dies without a will, his or her estate must be administered according to the intestacy laws of New Jersey. At E.A. Goodman Law, LLC we advise executors and estate administrators on their duties and work to ensure that the beneficiaries’ interests are protected.
Contact Our Experienced Bergen County Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys
Whether you are a first-time estate planner, need to align an existing plan with life’s changes, or need advice about any estate planning matter, trust E.A. Goodman Law to offer you a comfortable environment where you can make informed decisions about your financial future.
Contact our office today so we can start planning your estate.