At Frieri Law Group, we understand that estate planning is a vital step in protecting your family and your assets. Our New Jersey firm drafts precise legal documents, including Wills, that clearly direct the distribution of your assets and provide peace of mind for the future.
A Will is the cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan. It is a powerful legal document that ensures your intentions regarding your property and dependents are legally honored.
Your Will allows you to:
Direct Asset Distribution: Ensure your property—including real estate, investments, and personal belongings—passes to the specific individuals or charities (beneficiaries) you select, overriding the state’s default inheritance rules (intestacy).
Appoint an Executor: Name a trusted person (the Executor or Personal Representative) to manage your estate, pay debts, and distribute assets.
Designate a Guardian: Nominate a Guardian to care for your minor children, securing their welfare should the unthinkable occur.
To be legally valid and enforceable, a Will in New Jersey must satisfy the following statutory requirements:
Capacity: The Testator (the person making the Will) must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
In Writing: The document must be a physical writing.
Signature: The Testator must sign the Will, or have another person sign on their behalf in their presence and at their direction.
Witnesses: The signing must be witnessed by two individuals who are both present at the time of the signing and who subsequently sign the Will themselves.
The Will drafting process requires making critical, personal decisions about the future of your estate:
Who will inherit your property? (Identifying beneficiaries)
Who will manage your affairs? (Selecting an Executor and alternate)
Who will care for your minor children? (Appointing a Guardian)
Our attorneys guide you through these choices to create a document that is clear, executable, and tailored to your family’s needs.
A Will is not a static document and should be reviewed and updated following major life events.
Amendment: For minor changes, a codicil—a separate, legally executed document—can be used to amend specific provisions of your existing Will.
Revocation: You may revoke your entire Will by executing a brand-new Will, or by a physical act of destruction (e.g., tearing or burning) with the clear intent to revoke it.
Events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant asset changes should prompt a review of your estate plan.
If you pass away intestate (without a legally valid Will), your property will be subject to New Jersey’s intestacy laws. This rigid, pre-determined plan dictates who inherits your estate, potentially leading to unintended and costly consequences:
Loss of Control: The state’s formula determines the distribution, potentially excluding specific loved ones or charities you intended to benefit.
Court Intervention: A court may appoint an administrator to manage your estate and a guardian for your children, removing your personal choice.
Added Stress: The distribution process is often more complicated, expensive, and time-consuming for your family during a difficult time.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. The Frieri Law Group offers experienced legal guidance to clients in Cranford and throughout New Jersey, ensuring your estate planning documents are executed with precision and care.
Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward securing your legacy.