New Jersey Estate Administration Lawyer

After the passing of your loved one, it may be hard to focus on anything beyond grief. Whether your are charged with the responsibility of probate and administering an estate or trust as a named executor or trustee or you are completely new to the process, Vizzoni Law Firm, L.L.C., can assist you by drawing upon the years of experience in probate and estate administration law possessed by its founder and sole attorney, Anthony M. Vizzoni.

Anthony believes in spending time at the outset listening to your situation and collaborating with you on developing a “road map” of the probate and estate administration matters required to be accomplished in order to complete the probate and estate administration process. Once the road map is created, you will have a clear view of what services will be provided to you by Anthony and which ones you may choose to do for yourself. This approach is intended to minimize legal fees.

Vizzoni Law Firm, L.L.C. is located in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and serves Somerset, Union, Hunterdon, Essex and Middlesex counties.

Guidance During The Probate Process

Anthony understands that probating and administering an estate can be a long, energy-consuming and sometime frustrating process. He will provide detailed information on the best options for your case during all the phases of probate and estate administration, including:

• Probate and opening the estate
• Establishing accounts for the estate
• Creating an inventory of assets and properties owned by the estate
• Calculating and paying the estate’s debts, including tax obligations
• Preparing disclaimers and other applicable “postmortem” estate tax planning
• Preparing and filing estate tax and inheritance tax returns
• Helping to distribute the assets of the estate to the appropriate parties
• Closing the estate in a tax-efficient and cost-effective way

A Lawyer Who Listens First And Advises Second

As a client of a firm that takes advantage of its small size to provide you with one-on-one personalized service, Anthony recognizes and treats you as an individual with estate administration needs that are specific to your circumstances. He believes in building long-term relationships with all clients and linking generations of a family through exemplary advice and service.

Common Questions And Concerns About Estate Administration

The probate and estate administration process can seem daunting, and it’s normal to have a few questions about the process. Below are answers to some questions that attorney Vizzoni frequently receives from clients:

What can you do while waiting for probate?

While you are waiting for the court to formally appoint an executor or administrator, you can begin to organize key information. This includes locating important documents such as the decedent’s original will and death certificate. You should also make a preliminary list of their assets and debts. This preparation helps create a clear picture of the estate and allows you to move forward more efficiently once the court has granted you authority to act.

What determines if an estate has to go through probate?

In New Jersey, an estate must go through probate if the person owned any assets solely in their own name with no designated beneficiary. However, assets with a right of survivorship or named beneficiaries bypass this process. For example, a home owned by a married couple as “tenants by the entirety” automatically transfers to the surviving spouse. The same applies to bank accounts and retirement funds with a “payable-on-death” designation.

How can you avoid probate?

While a will does not avoid probate, effective estate planning strategies can help you do so. Many people avoid probate by using estate planning tools that allow assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. These can include:

• Transferring assets into a revocable living trust
• Structuring property titles with a right of survivorship
• Adding “payable-on-death” (POD) or “transfer-on-death” (TOD) designations to accounts

Attorney Vizzoni can advise you on the right tools for your specific situation.

Let Attorney Vizzoni Guide You Through The Process: Call Today

Settling a loved one’s estate can be an overwhelming responsibility. You don’t have to face it on your own. Attorney Vizzoni offers clear and effective guidance from start to finish. He will develop a “road map” tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you achieve a positive outcome with less stress.

To learn more about how an experienced attorney can assist you, contact Vizzoni Law Firm, L.L.C., for a consultation. Call 908-304-0499 or fill out this online form.