NJ imposes an inheritance tax to non-exempt beneficiaries. A girlfriend of a deceased NJ resident is not an exempt beneficiary. How can the estate …
The firm was very professional
The firm was very professional in everything they handled. The staff was very knowledgeable and prompt with their responses/information. I will recommend them to …
If You Live Together with Your Spouse While Filing For Divorce, Medicaid Counts Both of Your Income
Income of both spouses is counted for Medicaid health coverage and medical payments I recently had a client who filed a fair hearing appeal …
How is a Self-Cancelling Promissory Note Treated in Estate Death Tax Administration?
Understanding What a Self-Cancelling Note Means Under federal law “[t]he value of a gross estate shall include the value of all property to the …
Can the Legal Guardian or Parent of a Minor Child Set Up a Protective Trust?
This article discusses support trusts for minor children when a parent dies. New Jersey has a statute(s) that specifies the provisions that must be …
Understanding the Law of Tenancy by the Entirety When a Marital Home is Owned by a Husband and Wife
Recently, our associate prepared a memo about executing a creditor’s judgment upon a tenancy by the entirety. As a result, I read a few …
We were put at ease and everything was explained to us step-by-step
Lorraine handled our case in a very professional manner. All calls and questions got the utmost care. We heard about the horrors of preparing …
We are very pleased with Fred Niemann
I don’t feel like writing a whole testimonial but I was very pleased that Mr. Niemann didn’t encourage us to do so, or make …
Compassionate, listening and thorough explanations
Mr. Niemann and staff were compassionate, thorough and extremely knowledgeable in guiding us on our wills and healthcare directives. There is too much to …
Everyone is always so friendly and helpful and answers all my questions with care and concern
My husband and I have been using the services of Mr. Niemann for several updates to our estate planning over the years. We are …
Your firm is an asset to me
In the past 3 years, I had dealings with multiple law firms. The overall level of care, knowledge, listening and the drive to satisfy …
I was quite pleased with the service I received
I have not had much experience with any legal firm. I was quite pleased with the service I received. There was not one person …
The experience was terrific
Ever since my initial encounter with Hanlon Niemann & Wright (I was with my father), the entire staff was professional, efficient, courteous, and very …
When Can a Court Award Legal Fees Against an Estate in Connection with Probate Litigation
In probate litigation, it is common for one or all sides to ask for reimbursement of their legal fees and the costs of prosecuting/defending …
There’s Been a Big Change to Special Needs Trust Law: Learn About it Here
Back in the 1990’s, Congress passed a law that contained major changes to the federal Medicaid laws. Included in the law was a provision …
Hey Doc, You Better Report Me to Motor Vehicles or You’ll Get Sued if I Hurt Someone
I read an interesting article written by a personal injury attorney involving a case he settled when a physically and cognitively impaired patient killed …
Who Has Priority to be Appointed Administrator of the Estate of a Deceased Adult, a Parent or the Decedent’s Ex-Spouse or Their Minor Child?
An adult parent dies. It’s tragic. Now his or her estate needs to be probated and administered. The person was divorced at the time …
Are You Really Married in New Jersey If There is a Religious Wedding But No Marriage License?
I recently read a series of posts about the title of this blog post. In all truth, I hadn’t really thought about it or …
Widow in Second Marriage Has Legal Rights to Deceased Spouse’s Estate
A client’s dad was in a second marriage when he died recently. The couple did not have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Dad always …
Distribute Probate Estate Funds Cautiously, But Don’t Be Unreasonable
A client’s father’s estate is in probate. His son is the personal representative. Dad’s will leaves everything to his two sons (brothers) to share …
If You Have a Trust, Do You Also Need a Last Will?
If you have a living trust in place, why would a person need a will? The answer straightforward : You need a last will …
Adult Estranged Child Not Entitled to Anything From Parent’s Estate
A client’s late mother and daughter were estranged for years, but she was still shocked to learn mom cut her out of her …
New Jersey Medicaid Not Repaid From Third Party Trust
Recently, I met with new clients who are grandparents to many grandchildren, one of which is special needs. I was asked if Medicaid will …
Should New Jersey’s Department of Motor Vehicles Be Alerted to An Aging Parent’s Unsafe Driving?
Many clients want to avoid going to the DMV about their parent(s). He or she may be mentally sharp, but their vision is deteriorating. …
Medicaid Gifting Rules and the Annual Federal Gift Tax Exclusion Are Unrelated: Don’t Be Confused!
I’ve written numerous posts about Medicaid gifting and the misconceptions surrounding the annual gift tax exclusion rules. Generally, I’m asked the question whether New …
Becoming Guardian for an Elderly Father Should Be Last Resort
Questions about how to go about becoming a parent’s legal guardian are asked every week. Often by siblings who are at odds with other …
An Incapcaitated Mother’s Successor Trustee is Overwhelmed by Duties. So What Can They Do?
Here’s an unfortunate story. Mom is incapacitated. She can no longer serve as trustee of her living trust. As successor trustee, the job has …
Commercial Leases: Does it Matter if You Fail to Give Notice of Intent to Renew Your Lease?
A common provision in commercial leases is an option requiring the tenant to notify the landlord of their intention to renew the lease or …
Monmouth/Middlesex Adult Protective Services Presents In-House Training Seminar to the Attorneys and Staff at Hanlon Niemann & Wright
It was our pleasure on June 18, 2019 to welcome Ms. Jessica Reyes, Director of the Monmouth/Middlesex County Adult Protective Services, to Hanlon Niemann …
Bank Accounts Must Go Through Probate If There Is No Beneficiary Designated
Many banks have strict policies regarding accounts that are subject to probate. They demand that the surrogate court provide “letters testamentary” before they’ll release …