Library
Posts By Thomas D. Begley, III
Attorney At Law
Navigating Probate In New Jersey
What Is Probate In New Jersey, And What Does That Process Actually Involve? Probate in New Jersey is the court's oversight of the estate administration process. It is generally straightforward and cost-effective compared to other states. When someone passes away, the...
Understanding Intestate Succession In New Jersey
What Does It Mean Legally To Die Without A Will In New Jersey? Dying without a will in New Jersey subjects your estate to the laws of intestate succession. This means the state decides how your assets are distributed, which often doesn't align with personal wishes....
Navigating Real Estate In Your Estate Plan
Why Is Real Estate Often The Most Challenging Part Of An Estate Plan, Especially For Vacation Homes? Real estate can be particularly tricky in estate planning due to its sentimental value and the potential for multiple heirs to have differing interests. Vacation...
Understanding Special Needs Planning in Estate Law
Why Isn't Traditional Estate Planning Enough When A Family Member Has Special Needs? Traditional estate planning often falls short for families with special needs members because it doesn't account for needs-based government benefits. Receiving an inheritance outright...
Avoiding Family Conflict in Estate Planning
Why do families often fight after a loved one passes away? Over the years, I've observed that family conflicts often arise from long-standing sibling rivalries or unequal treatment in the will. Sometimes, siblings never got along even as children, and these tensions...
Estate Planning for Small Business Owners
What are the biggest estate planning issues small business owners often overlook? Many business owners neglect comprehensive planning, leaving behind either no plan or inadequate boilerplate agreements. A common issue is the lack of a detailed buy-sell agreement,...
Medicaid Planning for Married Couples in New Jersey
What are the first planning steps a couple should take when one spouse's health starts to decline? Before a crisis hits, it's crucial to ensure that all necessary legal documents are in order, including wills, advanced medical directives like durable healthcare powers...
Non-Probate Assets: What Bypasses Probate and Why
What does the term non-probate asset mean and how is it different from property that goes through probate? Non-probate assets are assets that pass outside of the probate process. These assets do not require court supervision for transfer upon the owner's death. They...
Why is estate planning crucial for individuals and their loved ones?
Estate planning is vital as it ensures that individuals can enjoy their assets during their lifetime while also ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. Unfortunately, many people do not receive proper advice when...