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Posts By Thomas D. Begley, III

Attorney At Law

Power of Attorney Mistakes That Can Cost You Everything

What Exactly Is A Power Of Attorney, And Why Is It Crucial In Estate Planning? A power of attorney is a critical document that allows someone to step into another person's shoes to manage their personal, medical, and financial affairs if they become incapacitated. As...

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts in New Jersey: What’s the Real Difference

What Is A Trust And How Does It Function In Estate Planning? A trust is a legal agreement that can serve various purposes in estate planning. Unlike a will, which outlines asset distribution after death, a trust can be a substitute for a will and provide additional...

Navigating Debt After Death: Estate Responsibilities Explained

What Happens To A Person's Debt When They Pass Away In New Jersey? When someone dies, their debt doesn't transfer to their heirs. Instead, the estate is responsible for settling any debts. If there are assets, especially those passing through probate, they are used to...

Medicaid’s 5-Year Look-Back Rule in New Jersey: What Triggers Penalties

What Is The Five-year Look Back Rule In New Jersey, And Why Does It Exist? The five-year look back rule is a federal regulation applicable in New Jersey and other states, designed to prevent individuals from giving away assets to qualify for Medicaid benefits...

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,...

Special Needs Planning for Loved Ones

Special needs planning ensures that individuals with disabilities receive proper care and financial support while preserving their dignity and government benefits. This episode of The Estate Blueprint explores alternatives to guardianship, the role of special needs...

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Estate Planning for Second Marriages

Estate planning for second marriages requires careful strategies to balance support for a new spouse with obligations to children from prior marriages. This episode of The Estate Blueprint explores common pitfalls, such as improper beneficiary designations and poorly...

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Understanding Guardianship for Minors and Adults

Guardianship ensures that trusted individuals manage the personal, financial, and medical affairs of minors or incapacitated adults. This episode of The Estate Blueprint explores the appointment of guardians through wills for minors, the complex court process for...

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Essential Lifetime Planning Beyond a Will

Effective estate planning extends beyond a will to ensure protection during one’s lifetime. This episode of The Estate Blueprint explores the necessity of advanced medical directives and general durable powers of attorney to manage medical and financial decisions...

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Planning for Long-Term Care Costs with Medicaid in New Jersey

Navigating long-term care costs requires strategic planning to protect assets and ensure quality care. This episode of The Estate Blueprint, Planning Your Future with Tom Begley examines Medicaid eligibility in New Jersey, debunking myths about spending down all...

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Fiduciaries Must Account, or else…NEW

ServicesOur Practice AreasEstate AdministrationAfter the passing of a loved one, the responsibility of administering their estate can feel overwhelming. Executors and trustees can greatly benefit from the guidance of an experienced professional to maximize the...

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