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Dispute

How Estate Planning Can Help Avoid Family Disputes in New Jersey

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

Have you ever seen a family torn apart after a loved one passes away? It happens more often than most people think. To be sure, significant individuals report experiencing family disputes or having assets fall under court control when proper estate planning was not in place. However, while it is common, it is largely… Read More »

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_Young Family

Estate Planning for Parents of Minor Children in New Jersey

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

Nobody wants to think about what would happen to their kids if something happened to them. It’s uncomfortable, and it’s easy to put off. But here’s a number worth sitting with: according to a 2025 Trust & Will report, only 36% of parents with minor children have a will. That means nearly two-thirds of… Read More »

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TwoHouses

Two Homes, One Headache? Estate Planning When You Own Property in Several States

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

Maybe you’ve got a house in New Jersey and a condo in Florida. Maybe a cabin in Vermont got passed down through the family and now it’s yours too. Owning property in more than one state is a great problem to have, financially speaking. But when it comes to estate planning, it raises a… Read More »

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Path

Right of Way 101: Who Really Owns the Path Through Your Property?

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

Ever notice a strip of grass on the edge of your yard that your neighbor uses to reach the road? Or a gravel path cutting across your land that somehow isn’t really “yours” to block off? That’s likely a right of way, and it’s one of the more misunderstood corners of New Jersey property… Read More »

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ForSale

What’s Lurking Beneath That “For Sale” Sign? A Buyer’s Guide to Commercial Property in New Jersey

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

Picture this: you’ve found the perfect spot for your new business, the price feels right, and the seller seems eager to close. So why pause? Because in commercial real estate, the things you can’t see often matter more than the things you can. A charming storefront or a sturdy warehouse can hide zoning restrictions,… Read More »

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EstatePlan8

Set It and Forget It? Why Your Estate Plan Probably Needs a Checkup

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

Did you create a will or trust years ago and assume the job was done? Plenty of people do, and it’s an understandable mistake. Estate planning often gets treated like a single event rather than an ongoing relationship with your own life. But your circumstances change, the law changes, and an outdated plan can… Read More »

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Zoning

What Really Happens Once Your Case Reaches a New Jersey Planning Board?

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

If you have never sat through a municipal land use hearing, the process can feel like a mystery. Who speaks first? What can a neighbor object to? Does the board simply vote yes or no, or is there more to it? Property owners, developers, and even curious residents in New Jersey often have these… Read More »

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Deed

Is That Old Deed Restriction Still Binding on Your New Jersey Property?

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

Buying a home or a parcel of commercial property in New Jersey often means inheriting more than just the land itself. Tucked into many deeds are restrictive covenants, private promises about how a property can or cannot be used. Can a covenant written decades ago still control what you build today? Does it matter… Read More »

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ProbateCourt

What Is the Role of the Surrogate Court in New Jersey Probate?

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

If you have ever wondered what happens after someone passes away, you are not alone. Probate can feel confusing at first. In New Jersey, the Surrogate Court plays a central role in guiding this process. But what exactly does that mean for you? In simple terms, the Surrogate Court is responsible for overseeing the… Read More »

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_Estate Plan

What Assets Should Be Included in a New Jersey Estate Plan?

By Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan |

When people think about estate planning, they often assume it is only about deciding who gets the house. But in reality, a complete estate plan in New Jersey should account for a wide range of assets. What exactly should you be including? If you are starting the process, it helps to take a step… Read More »

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