Many people believe they do not need a will. However, if a person passes away without a valid will, their estate is subject to state intestacy laws. These laws will determine how your assets will be distributed. Instead of letting the state determine this, you should be the one to decide how your loved ones will be cared for after you are gone.

At the Bergen County law office of Russell S. Warren, Jr., Esq., we help northern New Jersey individuals and families with all their estate planning needs including drafting wills and basic probate administration. By planning ahead, you are able to reduce any additional burdens for your family, such as estate taxes. For example, New Jersey has an estate (death) tax which begins at $675,000 and 37 percent tax rate. Many people do not know this and there are easy methods to avoid the tax.

Wills and Living Wills

Death is not ever easy to discuss, and preparing for the inevitable is often an avoided topic. However, it is important to prepare for your family's future and determine exactly how you want your assets distributed. A will allows you to state your wishes explicitly. Having a knowledgeable attorney is important in drafting a valid will. If a will is found invalid, your estate will instead be distributed under intestacy laws. Our attorney Russell S. Warren, Jr., has more than 25 years of experience in helping people with wills and can effectively draft one for you.

A living will (advanced healthcare directive) is a legal document declaring how you want your immediate family members to handle difficult medical decisions. In the event that you are incapacitated, the living will can address these often emotional decisions so your family will not have to be burdened.

Basic Probate Administration

After a person dies, there is a legal administrative process called probate. In probate court, the validity of the will is determined as well as other issues such as assessing assets in the estate and how they are distributed. Our law office can assist you with the probate administration process and represent your estate in the event of a will dispute.

For more information about living wills and to schedule a free consultation by phone or at our Englewood Cliffs office, contact us by e-mail or call 201-503-0773.

Russell S. Warren, Jr., Esq.

Phone: 201-503-0773 | Fax: 201-503-0776

Law Office:

473 Sylvan Avenue, First Floor
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
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Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1234
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey attorney Russell S. Warren, Jr., Esq. represents clients throughout northern New Jersey in communities such as Englewood Cliffs, Englewood, Bergenfield, Cliffside Park, Dumont, Fort Lee, Garfield, Hackensack, Leonia, New Milford, North Bergen, Paramus, Passaic, Patterson and Teaneck.