E.A. Goodman Law, LLC, provides comprehensive estate planning services to clients in Somerset, New Jersey. From designing will-based plans to developing more complex asset protection strategies, we are the informed choice in trusts and estate law. Whether you are a new parent looking to protect your family’s future, need assistance with long-term care planning, or require aid in elder law, trust our Somerset county legal estate planning team to guide you every step of the way. Contact our office today to set up a consultation.
Estate Planning & Elder Care Lawyer Located in Somerset County
Let’s face it: confronting our own mortality is daunting, which is why people tend to put off estate planning until it’s too late. Without a plan, the New Jersey courts will intervene to make decisions about your estate that may not agree with your wishes. When you consult with us, we will work to protect your interests and help you achieve your estate planning objectives.
Lead attorney Elga Goodman is not only a highly regarded attorney but a compassionate person who provides each client with trustworthy advice and counsel. Our legal team has a well-deserved reputation as dedicated advocates who serve clients from diverse backgrounds — new families, business owners, solo boomers, same-sex couples. Regardless of your financial situation or family circumstances, we will work closely with you to design an estate plan that best suits your needs.
Estate Planning Services in Somerset County
At E.A. Goodman Law, we regularly advise clients about a wide range of estate planning matters, such as:
- 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 help to create an estate plan that protects you, your loved ones, and your assets. We have extensive experience preparing essential estate planning documents, including:
- Will — This is the most basic estate planning document that establishes how your assets will be managed and distributed after you die. A will also allows you to name a guardian for your children and also establish a testamentary trust to provide for their care.
- Durable power of attorney — This is an important legal document in which you appoint an agent (typically a spouse, adult child, or close friend) to manage your personal and business affairs in the event of temporary or permanent incapacity.
- Advance health care directive — Also known as a healthcare proxy, this document names a healthcare representative to make decisions about your medical care if you cannot communicate your wishes.
At the same time, we also advise clients about the benefits of establishing trusts. Generally, there are two types of trusts, revocable living trusts, and irrevocable trusts. A living trust is one that takes ownership of your property but allows you to continue managing it during your lifetime. The main purpose of a revocable living trust is to avoid probate: because you no longer own the property, probate is not required. However, the trust must go through an administration phase to carry out the terms of the trust.
An irrevocable trust is one that cannot be modified or amended and there are a variety of trusts that can help to achieve estate planning objectives such as avoiding estate taxes, protecting your assets from creditors’ claims and lawsuits, planning for long-term care, or providing for a loved one with special needs.
Elder Law Attorney Serving Somerset County, New Jersey
Although people are living longer, more productive lives, managing the physical, emotional and financial challenges of aging is difficult. Given that the cost of long-term care in a skilled nursing facility is exorbitant, it is crucial to plan ahead.
Our elder law attorneys regularly advise clients on long-term planning and have in-depth knowledge of a wide range of elder care issues, including:
- Healthcare planning with advanced medical directives
- Long-term care planning
- Selecting the right long-term care or assisted living facility
- Obtaining public benefits, including Medicaid
- Conservatorships and guardianships
- Special Needs Trusts and asset protection planning
We understand how challenging these issues can be for families and will provide you with knowledge, compassion, and the personal attention you deserve.
Somerset County Probate Attorney
At E.A. Goodman Law, we help clients navigate the probate and estate administration process. Whether you have been appointed the executor of a loved one’s estate or a family member has passed without a will in place, we will work closely with you to honor your loved one’s wishes. While the probate proceedings in New Jersey are relatively straightforward, high-value estates can be more complicated to administer. Moreover, it is not uncommon for disputes to arise among the beneficiaries, which makes working with our experienced probate attorneys the wise choice.
Contact Our Experienced Somerset County, New Jersey Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorneys
Whether you need to establish an estate plan for the first time or revisit an existing plan, turn to E.A. Goodman Law. When you become our client, you will have comfort knowing that you and your loved ones will be protected. Contact our office today to speak with an experienced trusts and estate attorney.