New Providence Estate Planning & Probate Lawyer

At Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan, we understand that planning for the future is a deeply personal and essential process. Our experienced team is committed to helping you protect your loved ones, your assets, and your legacy with comprehensive estate planning and probate services tailored to your unique goals and circumstances. Your attorney will work with you personally from start to finish, ensuring that your needs and goals are met and that you are comfortable throughout the process. Contact our office today for personalized service from an experienced and dedicated New Providence estate planning & probate lawyer.

The Importance of a Thoughtful Estate Plan

A well-crafted estate plan can provide peace of mind for you and your family, ensuring your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for. Our approach to estate planning in New Providence encompasses key components like:

Wills: The cornerstone of any estate plan, a will outlines how you want your assets distributed after you pass. It also allows you to name a guardian for minor children, ensuring their care aligns with your wishes.
Durable Power of Attorney: This document grants someone you trust the authority to handle your financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated. It’s crucial to designate a reliable agent who will act in your best interests.
Advance Health Care Directive: This directive designates your health care representative and empowers them to make medical decisions on your behalf in case you are unable to communicate them yourself.

Custom Trust Solutions

We offer a variety of trust options to further secure your assets and provide for your family. Trusts can be a strategic way to minimize estate taxes, protect family wealth, and ensure long-term financial stability for future generations. Our New Providence estate planning attorneys will guide you through the process of setting up the trusts and other mechanisms that fit with your overall needs and goals, including:

Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts: Revocable trusts allow for flexibility and changes during your lifetime, while irrevocable trusts offer tax benefits and asset protection but are less easily modified. Trusts minimize probate, offer privacy in estate distribution, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of heirs and beneficiaries.
Foundations: For families with philanthropic goals, setting up a foundation can be a meaningful way to support causes you care about while gaining tax advantages.
Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) and LLCs: These structures are useful for holding and managing family assets, providing protection and continuity while potentially reducing estate and gift taxes.

We take the time to understand your personal needs and family dynamics, helping you choose the right tools and strategies for your situation.

Comprehensive Probate and Estate Administration

In addition to estate planning, we offer full-service support for executors, administrators, and trustees in New Providence and Union County. Navigating the probate process can be complex, but our attorneys are here to make it manageable.

Probate of Wills and Executor Qualification: We assist executors in proving the validity of a will and obtaining legal authority to administer the estate.
Estate Administration: Our firm provides step-by-step guidance in settling the decedent’s affairs, including collecting and distributing assets, paying debts, and fulfilling all legal and financial obligations.
Intestate Estate Administration: If a loved one passed away without a will, our attorneys work with heirs and next of kin to ensure the proper qualification of an administrator and efficient estate management.

Fiduciary Counsel and Tax Services

Executors and trustees have significant fiduciary responsibilities, and we are here to help them fulfill their duties ethically and efficiently. We assist with the preparation and filing of:

Federal and State Estate Tax Returns: Dealing with tax laws can be overwhelming, but we ensure accurate and timely filing to avoid penalties.
Inheritance Tax Returns: We handle the intricacies of New Jersey inheritance tax laws to minimize the tax burden on your estate.
Refunding Bonds and Releases: We prepare and file all necessary documents to ensure the proper release of liability for executors and administrators.
Accounting and Beneficiary Agreements: Our team prepares a comprehensive account of estate administration, and we help secure beneficiary approval and release of the executor or administrator from further obligations.

Beyond estate administration, we provide ongoing support for trust management, helping trustees comply with their fiduciary responsibilities. We also handle guardianship and conservatorship matters to protect the interests of minors or incapacitated adults.

Comprehensive Estate Planning & Probate in New Providence

Whether you need to create or update an estate plan or are dealing with the probate process, Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan is here to assist every step of the way. Our attorneys are dedicated to safeguarding the future of New Providence families and ensuring that your wishes are honored.

Contact us today at 908-277-0388 to schedule a consultation and begin planning for security, protection, and peace of mind.