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Posts By Thomas D. Begley, III

Attorney At Law

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...

Handling Estate Administration in New Jersey

What are the initial steps for someone named as an executor in New Jersey after a loved one passes away? In the first couple of weeks, it's crucial to secure the original will, obtain a certified copy of the death certificate, and schedule an appointment with the...

Funding Your Trust: Essential Steps for Estate Planning

What does funding a trust mean when someone signs their trust documents? Funding a trust ensures that the assets owned by an individual flow through the trust as intended. It involves directing assets or titling them correctly to ensure they pass through the trust...

What is the difference between inheritance tax and estate tax in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the estate tax is a tax on the estate itself, while the inheritance tax is levied on the heirs based on the amount they receive and their relationship to the deceased. The estate tax has been repealed in New Jersey since January 1st, 2018, and the...

Do I Really Need a Trust? Understanding Living Trusts, Their Benefits, and Common Misconceptions

Nov 11, 2025

What exactly is a living trust and how does it differ from a will? A living trust serves as a will substitute and is one of many types of trusts available. Its primary functions include avoiding probate and providing privacy for estate matters. However, it's important...

Essential Estate Planning Guide: Understanding Wills, Probate, and Legal Protection – Expert Insights from Attorney Tom Begley

Nov 11, 2025

What are the three fundamental documents everyone needs for estate planning? Regardless of age or financial status, three core documents are essential: a will, an advanced medical directive, and a general durable power of attorney. A will ensures that assets are...

Fiduciaries Must Account, or else…NEW

Jul 30, 2025

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...

How About the “Will App” for iPhone?

Jul 29, 2025

It’s Not Just Documents

Jul 29, 2025

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