Recent Blog Posts
Estate Planning with No Children or Partner
If you are currently a single adult with no children and no partner, you might be under the mistaken assumption that you do not need to consider estate planning. Much too often, Summit residents assume if they are single and childless that there is no need to create a will or a trust, and… Read More »
What Should You Know About Boundary Disputes in New Jersey?
Property ownership often appears straightforward on paper, yet disagreements about property lines are relatively common. Boundary disputes can arise when neighboring property owners disagree about the location of a property line, the placement of fences or structures, or the use of land near the boundary. These conflicts can affect residential and commercial property owners… Read More »
Can Probate Be Avoided in New Jersey Through Joint Ownership?
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed. While probate serves an important function, many individuals seek to avoid it due to the time and administrative burden involved. In New Jersey, one commonly used strategy for avoiding probate is joint ownership. Joint ownership allows property to pass directly to… Read More »
What Is Title Insurance and Why Do You Need It in New Jersey Real Estate Transactions?
When purchasing real estate in New Jersey, buyers often focus on price, financing, and inspections. However, one critical component that should never be overlooked is title insurance. Title insurance protects property owners and lenders from financial loss due to defects in a property’s title. These defects may include liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes… Read More »
What is a Dwelling for Purposes of Land Use and Zoning?
If you are planning to make renovations to your current residence or to make any additions to the property, or if you are planning a larger development for residential or commercial purposes, it will be critical to understand New Jersey zoning and land use laws, as well as City of Summit regulations with which… Read More »
What is a Conditional Approval for a New Jersey Development?
Are you planning to renovate your home or add an outdoor structure to your property? Or are you planning a new commercial development or multi-family residential area in Summit? Whether you have smaller or larger development plans in mind, you will most likely need to obtain specific approvals in order to move forward. Approval… Read More »
Common Reasons Homeowners in Summit Need to Obtain a Variance
For any residential homeowner in Summit who is planning to make any changes or additions to their property, it is important to understand that you may be required to obtain variance approval or another form of land use permission under municipal law. To be clear, even small additions or changes to your property, whether… Read More »
Revocable or Irrevocable Trust: Which Type is What I Need?
If you have been thinking about creating an estate plan or expanding your estate plan by creating a trust, you likely have questions about the wide range of trusts that are available to be established in New Jersey. For many New Jersey residents, questions arise about the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, and… Read More »
Estate Planning for Retirees in New Jersey
Any retiree (or someone nearing retirement) who does not yet have an estate plan should begin working with a New Jersey estate planning attorney as soon as possible. Your age at retirement depends on your individual circumstances, as well as the year you were born as far as Social Security retirement goes. Generally speaking,… Read More »
Can I Make a Handwritten Will in New Jersey?
Are you ready to sit down and make a will? If so, you might be wondering if you can simply write out a will yourself and let your loved ones know where it is so that your wishes can be carried out when you die. But can you simply create a handwritten will and… Read More »