Cherry Hill Wills Lawyers
Get Help From a Will Planning Lawyer in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
At Scott Counsel, P.C., our Cherry Hill wills lawyers understand that planning for the future can be intimidating. Our elder law and estate planning firm is here to help you simplify the process. If you have any specific questions about the drafting or revising of a will, we will get you answers that you can rely on. To arrange your confidential, no commitment initial appointment with a New Jersey will planning lawyer, please call our Cherry Hill law office at (856) 925-7281 or reach out to us using our online contact form.
All Adults in New Jersey Should Have a Will
A will is a foundational estate planning document. Yet, an alarming number of adults lack a will. The AARP reports that approximately 6 in 10 adults nationwide do not have a will. With a legally valid last will & testament, you will be in the best position to ensure that your final wishes are known and followed. Some of the most important advantages of a will include:
- Appoint an Executor: Within your will, you should appoint an executor of your estate. The executor will ensure that your estate is handled properly—including meeting all requirements of New Jersey’s probate laws.
- Control Assets: Through a will, you can retain control over what happens to your own property and assets upon your passing. You can use your will to decide who gets what. Without a will or alternative estate planning documents, your assets will be distributed under New Jersey’s intestacy laws—meaning you will lose control of your estate.
- Appoint a Guardian: Are you a parent to a young child? If you have a minor child in New Jersey, you can use a will to ensure that your child is properly protected in the unthinkable event that something happens to you. Among other things, this could involve appointing a guardian.
- Handle Funeral & Burial Arrangements: A will can be used to provide instructions and/or resources for funeral and burial arrangements. A death can be traumatic for a family. By providing clear funeral and burial instructions within your will, you can take some of the stress and pressure off of your loved ones.
- Limit Confusion and Conflict: Finally, it is worth emphasizing that a will can limit confusion and conflict among your family, friends, and potential heirs. You do not want to leave the people in your life fighting over your estate. A comprehensive estate plan helps you reduce the risk of potential conflict. It makes things easier for the people you care about most.
Note: As important as it is to have a will, it is not, by itself, a comprehensive estate plan. To get the maximum amount of protection for yourself and your loved ones, you want to have other estate planning documents in place, such as trusts, power of attorney (POA), and a living will.
An Overview of New Jersey Law and Wills
To be legally valid, a will must meet the requirements of New Jersey state law. By working with experienced Cherry Hill wills lawyers, you can rest assured knowing that your will is drafted properly. To be enforceable in New Jersey, a will must satisfy the following requirements:
- Adult: Only adults can make a will in New Jersey. The testator (will creator) must be at least 18 years of age.
- Sound Mind: A testator must be of sound mind. In New Jersey, any competent adult can make, revise, or revoke a will.
- Written: New Jersey does not recognize oral wills. A valid will must be typed or handwritten by the testator.
The overwhelming majority of wills are typed. With handwritten wills, you can run into many different problems. New Jersey requires two witnesses for a typed will. If the will is notarized, it is considered “self-proving” in probate court.
Revising or Revoking a Will in New Jersey
You Can Trust the Cherry Hill Will Planning Attorneys at Scott Counsel, P.C
Writing a will can be complicated. For a lot of people, it is something that they want to get around to doing, but they do not know how to get started. At Scott Counsel, P.C., we help people draft legally valid wills that most effectively achieve their long-term goals. When you call our Cherry Hill law office, you will have a chance to work with a New Jersey estate planning lawyer who can:
- Hear your story and answer your questions;
- Take the time to understand your needs and objectives;
Draft (or revise) a customized; and - Help you with any other estate planning matters.
A formulaic, one-size-fits-all will is not good enough for the needs of most people in New Jersey. Our Cherry Hill elder law and estate planning team will put in the time and resources to help you craft a will that truly works for your unique situation. Hear what our clients say and reach out to us directly with any specific questions or concerns about will planning in South Jersey.
Contact Our Cherry Hill Will Lawyers for Help With Your Case
At Scott Counsel, P.C., our Cherry Hill wills attorneys are experienced, solutions-oriented estate planning professionals. If you have questions or concerns about making a will, we are more than ready to get you answers. Call us at (856) 925-7281 or contact our Cherry Hill office online to arrange your strictly confidential initial consultation. We provide elder law and estate planning services to communities throughout South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.