Wills, Living Wills & Trusts

New Jersey and New York Law Firm for Wills and Trusts

The Kridel Law Group has an active probate litigation practice — representing clients in court who are challenging wills and trusts or defending them from challenge. Because we are so closely involved in the dispute side of estate work, we know very well what makes wills and trusts enforceable, and what makes estate planning documents vulnerable to challenge.

At The Kridel Law Group, our experience with estate litigation helps our lawyers improve the wills and trusts we write for our clients. Our attorneys know first-hand the types of challenges these documents are likely to face, and we know how to write strong legal instruments that will stand up to any conflicts our clients think are likely.

From our offices in Manhattan and Clifton, we have served clients in New York and New Jersey for more than 30 years. To make an appointment at either office, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Wills, Trusts and Living Wills

Wills are the most basic type of estate planning document. Wills list a person's assets and state clear decisions about distribution of assets after death. If a person dies without a will, his or her assets will be distributed according to state probate law, rather than according to the wishes of the deceased. Almost everyone, especially anyone family with a home, should at least create a will to put their affairs into order for the benefit of those they leave behind.

Trusts are another popular estate planning instrument, and there are many types of trusts. Some may be created while the asset holder is alive. Other trusts — called testamentary trusts — may only be created upon death according to preexisting instructions. Revocable and irrevocable trusts can be used to avoid the probate process, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In some circumstances, trusts can also provide more control over assets and are better able to survive legal challenges.

Living Wills — also known as advance health care directives — are documents in which individuals set out their wishes for their end-of-life care in case they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. A living will can be as general or as specific as the maker wants it to be. Living wills are often accompanied by health care powers of attorney, which give a trusted person the authority to make necessary health care decisions in the event of incapacity.

Contact The Kridel Law Group

Our attorneys focus on creating effective estate plans using the types of legal instruments necessary to protect your financial interests and survive any future legal challenges.

To learn more about our firm or our estate planning practice, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our two offices, in Manhattan or in Clifton, New Jersey.