Wills and Estate Administration
Contact the Law Office of KENNETH A VERCAMMEN for Legal Representation Wills and Estate Administration WILLS -- WHY EVERYONE SHOULD MAKE ONE Transfer of an estate to an individual's heirs after his death may be an orderly or thoroughly disorganized process. It depends on a four-letter word -- WILL. Every person, eighteen (18) years of age or over should make one. This important document is a legal declaration of the way an individual wants his property distributed. Whether the estate is large or small, it is desirable to transfer what you own with a properly executed will -- whether you are a man or woman, married or single. Those without wills may leave their survivors in financial insecurity or downright frustration. It is to the advantage of both the individual and his family or his close friends that he execute a will. Contrary to general opinion, frequently the smaller amounts involved, the greater trouble when there is no will. Squabbles over a few thousand dollars an be more bitter than fights over many thousands. Information below from the website of the COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND STATE OF NEW JERSEY SURROGATE'S COURT YOUR WILL -- A BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE Making a will in an important step in your financial management program. To save your heirs time and money, plan now for the orderly transfer of your property. In this way the cost of a bond and possible disagreement among those who are to receive your property may be avoided. You decide to whom, when, and in what amounts your assets should go. You select your executor or personal representative, the one who shall be responsible for the disposition of the estate. You may avoid forced sale of your property, or costly and tedious applications to courts for the right to sell it. You have greater assurance that your plans will be carried out as you desire. One way to guarantee trouble to a family is not to make a will. Court records bulge with tragic tales of families torn apart and caused immeasurable pain and financial expense because the income producer did not do so. Without a will your estate must be distributed according to the intestate laws, the provisions of which are general and inflexible. The law will say show shall administer your estate, among whom, and how it shall be divided. By losing the privilege of naming your executor or personal representative, you may make a costly mistake. Your property may not be distributed as you wish, and thus cause hardship for those you want to safeguard most. Without a will you lose the privilege of naming a guardian for your minor children. This is vital, particularly if your spouse should not survive you. If you leave no immediate family, failure to leave a will may result in your property going to persons in whom you have no particular interest. Wills are not do-it-yourself projects. Secure the services of an attorney. Although many prepared without legal aid have been successfully executed, the risk is too great. A minor detail may invalidate your good intentions. STEPS IN PREPARING YOUR WILL A document that will stand up in court, if necessary, and be tailor-made to meet the needs of your family, must first be thought out carefully by you, and then skillfully prepared by a lawyer who specializes in will drafting and estate planning. He can guide you to the best decisions -- but only after obtaining all the facts that you alone can give. Thus, you can be sure that your will is properly phrased, witnessed, and has all the technicalities observed. It is penny-wise and pound- foolish not to pay a lawyer's fee for this service. The charge will depend on the size and character of the estate and the work involved. Here are some points to know when making a will: more info at http://www.njlaws.com/wills.htm