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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...

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 The estate tax has been repealed in New Jersey since January 1st, 2018, and the...

Why has fiduciary abuse become the leading cause of probate litigation in New Jersey? Thomas Begley reports that over 30 years, executor, trustee, and power-of-attorney misconduct now surpasses will contests and guardianships. Clients meticulously allocate assets but...

Why do New Jersey seniors consider transferring their home to children during lifetime? Thomas Begley identifies three primary concerns—avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, and shielding assets from long-term care costs. However, no universal solution exists; improper...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Is having just a will enough for a comprehensive estate plan? According to elder law attorney Thomas Begley, having a will alone is not enough to protect yourself or your family—especially in the event of incapacity. Many people believe that a will only matters after...