Wills

Hiring a Lawyer to Create a Will is a Sound Investment

Superior Estate Planning Services for Clients in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Estate planning is a lifelong process. Depending on your priorities and stage of life, you have several options when it comes to creating important documents. However, a will is an important piece of any estate plan. Regardless of how much money you have in the bank or how valuable your possessions may be, everyone over the age of 18 should have a will.

At the law firm of Bratton Law Group, our lawyers draft wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents for young families, same-sex couples, families with disabled children, and individuals of all economic backgrounds. From offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, our clients are afforded unparalleled legal guidance and convenient access to an experienced attorney to discuss their needs.

The Benefits of Having a Will

A will is a legal document that designates how your possessions will be distributed after you die. When drafting a will, you will be asked to choose an individual, called an executor or executrix (if female), who will carry out your wishes as dictated in your will. This person will handle the administration of your will, including paying all the debts and taxes and distributing what remains as per your wishes.

If you are like most people, you have spent a good amount of time collecting possessions you deem valuable: real estate, retirement assets, vehicles, jewelry, art, etc. When it’s time to divide your assets among family members, friends, and charitable organizations, having a will guarantees your wishes are honored. While wills are valuable tools for any individual, they are especially beneficial when it comes to:

• Protecting your children. If you have young children, you should create a will that names a guardian for your children. The guardian is a person you trust to raise your children if you and your spouse pass away unexpectedly.
• Safeguarding those with special needs. If you have a child or a family member with special needs, you can create a special needs trust to make sure your loved one is taken care of without making them ineligible for governmental benefits.
• Guaranteeing the continuance of your non-profit distributions. If you decide to bequeath assets to your favorite organizations, you can outline these wishes in a will to make sure that these charities continue to benefit from your support.

Depending on your assets, you may want a trust. A trust allows you to pass assets directly to heirs without the expense and delay of a probate proceeding. There are also trusts that allow you to avoid or minimize estate taxes. Talk to our knowledgeable attorneys about all your estate planning options.

Additional Documents to Consider When Meeting with Your NJ Wills Lawyer

At Bratton Law Group, our attorneys provide comprehensive estate planning services extending beyond the creation of wills and trusts. To protect yourself and your loved ones, we may recommend:

• Naming a Power of Attorney and Healthcare Power of Attorney. In addition to a will, a power of attorney is important at any age. It allows you to name a trusted person to make decisions for you if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself.
• Creating a Medical Directive. An advanced care directive allows you to let family members and healthcare providers know your wishes concerning life-prolonging medical treatment if you are ever diagnosed with a terminal condition.

We carefully craft estate documents that are easy to understand and meet all of your planning needs. Estate planning is about much more than money and other assets. It is about leaving a legacy. Since every person’s situation is unique, there is no single “checklist” to follow for estate planning. We will craft documents unique to your needs.

Contact Bratton Law Group for Your Will Preparation and Estate Planning

Contact Bratton Law Group for a consultation with an experienced lawyer who will review your situation and explain your options. We serve clients in New Jersey and Philadelphia, PA. Call 856 770 2744 or fill out our convenient online form.  Helping clients with wills in cities like Cherry Hill, Princeton, Mount Laurel, and Medford