ESTATE PLANNING AND LITIGATION

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As an experienced estate planning attorney, I know that effective estate planning is truly a process.  That is why we begin by speaking with our clients about their goals and objectives.  Then, working together, we draft legally solid documents and make them easy to understand, so there is no guesswork when a will, trust, or other estate planning document is ultimately executed.  Our core goal is to ensure that our clients can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their assets will be inherited by their loved ones and heirs, and that their family will be cared for should the worst happen.  Delgado Law has the necessary expertise in estate planning to understand the importance of a truly individualized approach for our clients’ unique needs.

Through years of experience, we have come to know that every family is unique and that all clients come to us with different desires for their estate plans.  Our job is to help you explore the different avenues available to accomplish your stated goals. In doing so, we will give thorough consideration to all of the issues you face, and we will work with you to develop a customized plan that is consistent with your objectives.

While planning for the disposition of your property and care of your loved ones upon your death or incapacity may be an uncomfortable topic, careful planning will protect your family and help them get through one of the most difficult times in their lives. Keep in mind that, if you pass away or become incapacitated without a will or proper estate plan in place, your wishes for your care and for the distribution of your estate will be given no weight.  Instead, decisions as to your personal affairs and your estate will ultimately be made by the courts according to a statutory formula set by law.

As such, the Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Practice at Delgado Law LLC is dedicated to helping people put the required plans in place to safeguard their future wishes end ensure they are properly carried out.  We are prepared to assist individuals and families throughout Northern and Central New Jersey with all aspects of estate planning and administration matters, including:

• Will Drafting
• Trust Preparation
• Other Estate Planning Documents, including Advance Health Care Directives (Living Wills) and Powers of Attorney
• Estate Administration
• Special Needs Planning
• Will Contests
• Generation Skipping Planning
• Charitable Planning
• Revocable Living Trusts
• Irrevocable Trusts
• Business Continuity Planning 

A majority of people either do not have a will or do not have an up-to-date estate plan. And while some individuals rely on do-it-yourself, one-size-fits-all legal forms online, one must be careful, as those generic forms may not accurately reflect the wishes of the testator (person making the will) and may unintentionally do more harm than good since mistakes may not be discovered for many years.

In contrast, a skilled New Jersey estate planning attorney can advise you as to your range of options, draft wills and other documents that are tailored to your specific needs and desires, and ensure proper coverage of a wide range of legal issues depending on a client's individual situation.  

Whether you are a couple who wants to write a will to make sure your children have guardians in case of the unthinkable, or you want to make sure your elderly parents have the long term planning they need, or you want to create a sophisticated estate plan for yourself, Delgado Law is here for you. We have the experience and knowledge to help the people of New Jersey plan for the future no matter what size estate they may have.  At Delgado Law, we use our broad estate planning experience to help people plan for an uncertain future in which they are able to continue to care and provide for their loved ones.

Ultimately, a comprehensive estate plan is the best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out and, at Delgado Law, you will have the opportunity to discuss your needs and options with an experienced and compassionate estate planning attorney. Our goal is not only to protect our clients and their families, but develop a strong bond with our clients and become a trusted advisor for life.   So, take charge of your estate planning, and please feel free to contact us to arrange a no obligation in-person, virtual, or phone consultation at miguel@thedelgadolawfirm.com or by phone at (201) 721-8717. 

Accusations of a breach of fiduciary duty by an executor or trustee,  guardianship or conservatorship proceedings, and will contests are common sources of probate court litigation.  Numerous other matters can also give rise to a dispute over a person's affairs or a decedent's estate, and while these disputes can often lead to litigation, they can also serve to derail a person's family life and finances , as well as delay the distribution of a loved one's assets. Whether you are a fiduciary, beneficiary, or interested family member, at Delgado Law we have the experience to advise you and protect your rights with regard to an array of trust and estate litigation issues, such as:

• Allegations of Undue Influence, Duress, Coercion, or Fraud
• Breach of Fiduciary Duty 
• Claims By or Against Administrators, Executors, or Trustees
• Mismanagement of Estate or Trust Funds
• Guardianship or Conservatorship Proceedings
• Protective Arrangements
• Power of Attorney Abuse

At Delgado Law, we understand that trust and estate disputes can be stressful and emotional challenges.  We also know that successful litigation requires a team effort between the client and attorney.  That is why we stress the importance of communication to identify objectives, establish realistic expectations, and educate clients so they can make informed and reasoned decisions with regard to their case.  Ultimately, your success is our success.  Please feel free to contact us for a no obligation consultation at miguel@thedelgadolawfirm.com or (201) 721-8717.